Just when the Dallas Mavericks were hoping to turn things around, they’ve been hit with another devastating injury.
Kyrie Irving, one of the team’s biggest stars, is officially out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee.
Irving’s Injury Stuns Fans and Teammates
The unfortunate incident happened during Monday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings.
Irving, while making his way to the basket, suddenly collapsed in pain without any contact from another player.
Despite the obvious discomfort, he somehow managed to stay on the court long enough to sink two free throws before heading to the locker room.
Initially, fans were left hoping for a minor setback, but ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed on Tuesday that it was the worst-case scenario—a torn ACL.
This means Irving won’t see the court again this season, delivering a massive blow to the Mavericks’ playoff hopes.
More Bad Luck for Dallas After Major Roster Shakeup
Irving’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Dallas, especially considering what the team has already endured.
Just weeks ago, the Mavericks made a blockbuster trade, sending Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
However, Davis barely had a chance to make an impact before suffering a left adductor strain in his very first game with Dallas.
Davis was expected to miss up to a month, according to Charania’s earlier report on February 9, and was still sidelined in street clothes when Irving went down.
To make matters worse, the team’s newly acquired center, Daniel Gafford, is also dealing with an MCL sprain that will keep him out for several more weeks.
How the Injury Happened
Irving sustained the injury while trying to maneuver past Sacramento defenders DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valančiūnas.
As he planted his left foot inside the restricted area, his knee appeared to buckle unnaturally, hyperextending in the process.
The sight was enough to make fans cringe, and many immediately feared the worst.
Dr. Evan Jeffries, a sports injury analyst, shared his concerns on social media, suggesting that while a best-case scenario might have been a hyperextension or bone bruise, the worst-case outcome—a torn ACL—was unfortunately confirmed.
Emotional Scene as Irving Leaves the Court
The nine-time All-Star’s reaction on the court made it clear how much pain he was in.
After collapsing to the floor, teammates and medical staff rushed to his side.
Despite the agony, he managed to stand, compose himself, and knock down two free throws before limping off the court to a standing ovation.
Fans showed their appreciation, chanting “MVP” as he fought through the pain. Irving, visibly emotional, appeared to shed tears as he walked off, knowing the severity of what had just happened.
Support Pours in from Around the League
As news of his injury spread, the basketball world rallied behind Irving.
Among those sending well-wishes was his former Cavaliers teammate, LeBron James, who took to social media to offer his prayers and support.
“Prayers sent up to Ky,” James posted on X, acknowledging the tough break for his friend.
Irving, 32, had been having an impressive season, averaging 24.7 points per game while shooting over 40% from beyond the arc.
He was also on track to play his most games in a season since 2018-19, appearing in 50 of Dallas’ 62 games before this injury derailed his campaign.
What’s Next for the Mavericks?
The defending Western Conference champions are in a tough spot.
After trading away their franchise player, they were banking on Irving and Davis to lead them into the playoffs.
Now, with both sidelined and Gafford also injured, their depth is being seriously tested.
With just 20 games left in the regular season, Dallas finds itself clinging to the 10th seed in the West, trailing the sixth seed by 1.5 games.
Their chances of securing an automatic playoff berth are slipping away fast.
The big question now is: Can the Mavericks stay afloat without their star players, or will this season go down as one of their most disappointing in recent memory? Only time will tell.