5 Studs from Dallas Mavericks' suspenseful preseason loss to Utah Jazz

3. Stud - Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving missed the Dallas Mavericks' first preseason game on Monday night, and he had a great start to the preseason in his debut on Thursday night against the Utah Jazz. The vibes were great from Irving's end even before the game started as he was playing with his children during his pregame workout, and the good vibes carried over into his on-court performance.

Irving started off hot as he scored 12 points in the first half, and he was the same old Kyrie that Mavs fans are used to seeing. He was getting to his spots, finishing at the rim, and hitting tough buckets. He was clearly trying to get Klay Thompson involved early and often, as the old friends hit the ground running on the floor together.

Irving and Thompson are going to spend tons of time together on the floor together, and fans can't wait to see the new big three of Luka Doncic, Irving, and Thompson take the hardwood.

Irving's left hand seemed just fine after having surgery on it over the summer, as he was knifing to the bucket and finishing with either hand. His in-between game remains elite, and he looked great as a scorer from the mid-range and at the rim.

Irving didn't get a three to fall in this game, but still ended up shooting 6-11 from the field and provided a strong showing for the home fans. He was right back to hitting his tough mid-range jumpers from the baseline with a hand right in his face, and he is in a great position to have a dominant year in his second full season with Dallas.