Written by Jake Fenner
16:28 March 21, 2024, Updated 16:28 March 21, 2024
- Irving did not eat or drink anything during the Islamic holy month.
- He has been performing well since Ramadan started a few days ago, averaging 25 points.
- DailyMail.com brings you all the latest international sports news
The Dallas Mavericks are moving beyond signing star point guard Kyrie Irving. He continues to play with the team while fasting as part of the Islamic holiday of Ramadan.
During the holy month, which began on March 10, participants abstain from food and water from dawn to dusk. Although this practice is mandatory, there are exceptions for those who are elderly, ill, pregnant, or experiencing certain other illnesses.
In Irving's case, he's been doing this for years. But this year, the Mavericks took it a step further for him, sending in a private chef to help prepare vegan meals for the point guard to eat after he breaks his fast.
A few days ago, Irving commented on his efforts after hitting the miraculous game-winning shot to defeat the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
“Ramadan is a special month and a special time. Well… try not to think too much about suffering and really focus on your journey with God and the path you're on and stay focused on that. “Stay disciplined,'' Irving told reporters.
“It's a difficult journey and… it's nothing short of a miracle to be able to play for 48 minutes without having food or drink in my stomach.
“That means there is definitely a universal God protecting me, and I have to give him credit.”
In the five games Irving has played since the end of Ramadan, he has averaged 25 points and seven assists while shooting over 50 percent from the floor.
Irving is not the only Muslim athlete, and many others spend their days off without food or drink.
Last year, in April during Ramadan, Liverpool FC star Mohamed Salah politely declined an offer of water as he left the pitch after losing against Manchester City.
Another example of Ramadan fasting basketball came during last year's Final Four, where UConn's Adama Sanogo was one of several players on the national championship winning team to abstain from food and drink.
Sanogo was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player as the Huskies won their fifth national title.
