The Dallas Mavericks began this season with high hopes after a strong playoff run last June. Unfortunately, those hopes are now dimmed due to recent injury setbacks.
Kyrie Irving has a torn ACL in his left knee, according to a reliable source. This unfortunate injury marks a tough end to the nine-time All-Star’s 14th season in the NBA.
Before his injury, Irving was having a standout season, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. He had a promising start in Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, scoring seven points in the first quarter. However, he landed awkwardly on his left leg and fell to the floor, needing immediate medical attention. After hitting two free throws, Irving limped off the court, struggling to put weight on his leg.
His teammate, Naji Marshall, praised Irving, saying, “Kyrie is just amazing. That’s a testimony right there. Prayers up to a speedy recovery.”
Last season, Irving averaged 22.1 points during the playoffs, helping the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals. But after a February trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, Irving faced an even heavier burden. In the ten full games following the trade, he played the most minutes in the league, averaging 39.3 minutes.
The Mavericks currently sit at 32-30 and hold the 10th spot in the Western Conference, keeping a slim 3.5-game cushion over the Phoenix Suns for the last Play-In spot. However, the team has been struggling with injuries, missing their top three big men: Dereck Lively II, Anthony Davis, and Daniel Gafford. Lively has been out since January 14 due to a stress fracture in his right ankle. Davis suffered a left adductor strain in his debut with the Mavericks on February 8. Gafford injured his right knee on February 10.
Updates on these players are expected later this week. Additionally, Jaden Hardy is likely out for several weeks after spraining his right ankle in the same game as Irving’s injury.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd expressed his frustration, noting, “Every time it seems like we’re close to getting someone back, someone goes down. Tonight, both Hardy and Ky go down. We’re running out of bodies here.”
Check out this related article: Champions League Last-16 LIVE Updates: PSV vs Arsenal, Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid, Dortmund vs Lille – Scores, Commentary & Highlights!
Source linkDallas Mavericks, NBA
