Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving suffered a left knee sprain during Monday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings. The injury occurred late in the first quarter of the Mavericks’ 122-98 defeat. Irving remained on the floor in visible pain before eventually heading to the locker room.
Despite the injury, he returned to the court to take two free throws, with tears rolling down his face, before leaving the game permanently. His status remains uncertain as the Mavericks have yet to provide any official updates on the severity of the injury.
Irving Suffers Painful Knee Injury but Displays Grit with Free Throws
Irving sustained the injury while driving to the basket after being fouled by DeMar DeRozan. As he landed, his right foot stepped on Kings center Jonas Valanciunas’ foot, causing him to lose balance and awkwardly hyperextend his left knee. The impact left Irving on the ground for several minutes before he was helped to the locker room. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd described the incident as “just unlucky” and expressed hope that the injury would not be severe.
Kyrie Irving Suffers Knee Sprain in Mavericks’ Loss, Uncertain Timeline for Return
Despite his evident pain, Irving displayed remarkable toughness by insisting on taking his free throws before leaving the court. Coach Kidd later explained that Irving wanted to stay true to the game’s integrity, reminiscent of the late Kobe Bryant, who famously shot free throws after tearing his Achilles in 2013. Irving’s commitment to finishing the play before exiting demonstrated his determination and leadership. However, the Mavericks quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
Mavericks Struggle with Injuries as Key Players Remain Sidelined Amid Playoff Push
Irving’s injury adds to an already extensive list of sidelined Mavericks players. The team has been dealing with multiple injuries, including Anthony Davis (groin), Daniel Gafford (knee), Dereck Lively II (ankle), and P.J. Washington Jr. Additionally, reserve guard Jaden Hardy sprained his right ankle in the third quarter, further depleting Dallas’ roster. Kidd acknowledged the ongoing struggles, stating that every time the team nears full strength, another player gets hurt, leaving them with limited options on the floor.
With Irving playing a crucial role in the Mavericks’ offense, especially after Luka Doncic’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, his absence could significantly impact the team’s performance. The Mavericks, already shorthanded, now face even greater challenges in maintaining their competitiveness. With no confirmed timeline for Irving’s return and other key players still recovering, Dallas’ playoff hopes may be in jeopardy if their injury troubles persist.