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The Dallas Mavericks have gone the extra mile to welcome star Kyrie Irving as he observes Ramadan.
Brian Dameris of Bally Sports Southwest explained how a personal chef accompanied the eight-time All-Star on the road to help him prepare his meals:
Kevin Gray Jr. @KevinGraySports
The Mavericks brought in a personal chef so Kyrie Irving could prepare his vegan meals for him after the sun sets as he observes Ramadan while continuing to play by @bdameris in the Mavs postgame show on @971TheFreak ; The Mavs take care of Kyrie #MFFL
Ramadan is a holy month, but it also presents a challenge for Muslim athletes around the world, as they must fast every day from dawn to sunset. Staying hydrated can be especially tricky during the day.
Irving said this week it’s “simply a miracle”: He’s able to maintain his regular playing time without his usual level of nutrition.
HoopsHype @hoop
“To be able to play 48 minutes and do it without drinking or eating in your stomach, it’s simply a miracle.”
— Kyrie Irving on playing during Ramadan pic.twitter.com/YEhcnf9noo
The celebration of Ramadan began on the evening of March 10. Based on his performance since then, one wouldn’t have assumed that things would have been any different for Irving. In five games, he averaged 25.0 points and 7.0 assists while shooting 52.2 percent from the floor.
That run included a miraculous game-winner against the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets.
Maybe the Mavericks should increase Irving’s personal chef.
