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Duke Basketball: Kyrie Irving dazzles in return to Celtics lineup

By Kevin Connelly

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 12: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics runs up the floor against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 12, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 12: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics runs up the floor against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 12, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Former Duke Basketball standout Kyrie Irving made his return to the Boston Celtics lineup after sitting out briefly with a shoulder injury, and he was sensational in his return.

Kyrie Irving is a special talent and just in case you need a confirmation of that because he has been sidelined due to some injuries, take a look at the Boston Celtics overtime win against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

In Irving’s return from a shoulder ailment, the Duke product played 40 minutes, dropped 38 points, seven assists, and three rebounds in addition to the game winning shot.

After injuring his shoulder back on December 6 in a victory over the New York Knicks, Irving played on December 8 in the 56 point laugher over the Chicago Bulls.

Kyrie then did not play on Monday night in the Celtics 113-100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans because of soreness in his shoulder, but his absence was due to precautionary reasons, the team announced.

Not only did the Celtics thrive off of the return of its superstar, Celtics fans loved seeing the All-Star back on the court and applauded him for his efforts on Wednesday night, serenading Irving with “MVP” on the road.

Fellow former Blue Devil Jayson Tatum struggled with his shot against the Washington Wizards, but he still managed to score 12 points and made his presence felt on the backboard pulling down 12 rebounds.

After Wednesday’s performance, Irving is now averaging 21.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game in 24 games played on the season.

The eight year veteran looks destined for his sixth NBA All-Star game but he looks to continue to lead the Celtics as the currently sit with a 17-10 record, which leaves them currently in the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Next. Duke's top 10 plays from first 10 games. dark

Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, and the rest of the Boston Celtics are back in action on Friday, December 14 as they welcome the Atlanta Hawks to T.D. Garden at 7:00 pm ET.

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