Irving entered the night just three points shy of the threshold with 17,997 career points. After a pair of free throws, he maneuvered into the paint and connected on a midrange jumper at the 7:17 mark of the first quarter. He finished with 38 points despite another loss for the injury-riddled Mavericks.

On Wednesday evening, the Dallas Mavericks played the Minneosta Timberwolves in Texas. The Mavs lost by a score of 115-114. Despite the loss, Kyrie Irving exploded for 36 points, four rebounds and nine assists while shooting 12/21 from the field and 4/11 from the three-point range in 38 minutes of playing time.

The 32-year-old doesn’t anticipate he’ll need surgery. He said he will “most likely” be available to play Wednesday in New Orleans.