Kyrie Irving's incredible left-handed game-winner against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday was made even more remarkable by the fact that he had not eaten or drunk anything all day leading up to the game. Irving, who converted to Islam in 2021, is currently observing Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Despite the challenges, Irving remains focused on his beliefs and his connection with God. His dedication has been evident on the court, as he has been putting up impressive numbers during Ramadan, with his stats surpassing his season averages.
Irving has expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the Mavericks organization, including assistant coach God Shammgod, who shares his faith. The team has gone the extra mile by providing Irving with a personal chef to ensure he has vegan meals ready for breaking his fast each night. While Irving is not the first NBA player to compete during Ramadan, his performances this year have been outstanding. Even his teammate Luka Doncic acknowledges Irving's exceptional dedication, calling him "different" and expressing his admiration for Irving's ability to excel while fasting.