Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving earns MVP chants during season-high performance vs. Rockets

The Dallas Mavericks ' dynamic duo of Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg got to work as they helped bring down the Houston Rockets in the NBA Cup, 116-111. It was the Rockets' first loss of the season.

Irving had a game-high 35 points with four rebounds and nine assists, including some key free throws to ice the game. During one of his trips to the line with seconds left in the game, the Dallas crowd serenaded him with MVP chants to show appreciation for his game-winning performance.

Not to be outdone, Cooper Flagg had 33 points, nine rebounds and six assists. The second-year player is showing no ill-effects of the left shoulder injury that he suffered last week against the Indiana Pacers . He has now topped 26 points in each of his last three games. With the win over the Rockets, the Mavs have now won three games in a row.

Irving is still working his way back from the knee injury that sidelined him last season . It's highly unlikely that he can compete for MVP this season, but his game against the Rockets shows that he still has MVP-caliber performances left in him.

Moreover, Irving has Flagg to carry the heavy load for the Mavs during the regular season. That can allow the 34-year-old Irving to conserve his body and push only during bigger games, like the NBA Cup contest against the rival Rockets. And if the Mavs are able to break into playoff contention in the competitive West, Irving can potentially do some damage come playoff time.