Dallas Mavericks All-Star guard Kyrie Irving has suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee, as confirmed by multiple sources.
The injury occurred during the first quarter of Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. Irving landed awkwardly after a drive to the basket, leading to immediate pain and concern. Demonstrating resilience, he remained on the court to sink two free throws before being assisted to the locker room.
This development is a significant setback for the Mavericks, who are already contending with injuries to key players, including Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, and Daniel Gafford. Following the recent trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, Irving had assumed a central role in the team’s offense, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 50 games this season.
The Mavericks currently hold a 32-30 record, placing them 10th in the Western Conference. With Irving sidelined, the team faces a challenging path to secure a playoff spot. Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the adversity, stating, “We’ve faced injuries all season, but this one is tough. Kyrie has been a leader for us. We’ll need to find ways to compete and adapt.”
Irving’s injury also introduces uncertainty regarding his contract situation. He holds a player option worth nearly $43 million for the next season. Prior to the injury, he was expected to decline the option in pursuit of a long-term deal. It’s now unclear whether he will exercise the option or explore other avenues during his recovery.
The Mavericks will likely rely on guards Spencer Dinwiddie, Dante Exum, and Jaden Hardy to fill the void left by Irving. However, Hardy also exited Monday’s game due to a sprained right ankle, further complicating the team’s rotation.
As the season progresses, the Mavericks will need to demonstrate resilience and adaptability to overcome these challenges and maintain their pursuit of a playoff berth.
