Dallas Mavericks All-Star guard Kyrie Irving will miss the remainder of the 2024 NBA season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during Monday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings. The injury occurred late in the first quarter when Irving’s right foot landed on an opponent’s foot, causing his left knee to hyperextend before he fell to the floor.
The 32-year-old star, who made his ninth NBA All-Star team this season, was in the midst of a remarkable performance. Irving was the only NBA player this season averaging at least 20 points, shooting over 40% from 3-point range, and maintaining a 90% free throw percentage. His impressive statistics included 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game across 50 of the team’s 62 games.
Prior to the injury, Irving had been playing an intense schedule, averaging 39.3 minutes per game over his previous 10 games—the most minutes of any NBA player between February 4 and March 2. His critical role became even more pronounced following the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The injury’s impact on the Mavericks’ season has been immediate and severe. The team’s NBA title odds plummeted from 66-1 to 200-1, reflecting the significant blow to their playoff aspirations. Currently positioned 10th in the Western Conference with a 32-30 record, the Mavericks are now in a precarious position for the play-in tournament.
Irving’s contract situation adds another layer of complexity to the situation. He holds a $43 million player option for the 2025-26 season, which is the final year of a three-year, $126 million deal signed in 2023. The ACL tear means Irving will likely be in the recovery stages when teams report for training camp next season.
The Mavericks are already grappling with a significant injury crisis. Anthony Davis, acquired in the Doncic trade, left his debut game on February 8 with an adductor strain and remains sidelined. Additionally, the team is without key players Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Caleb Martin. Reserve guard Jaden Hardy also recently suffered a right ankle sprain.
Irving’s injury occurred in an emotionally charged moment. After being fouled, he made two free throws with tears streaming down his face before leaving the game. The moment symbolized the frustration of a season marred by unexpected challenges and mounting injuries.
With Irving’s season-ending injury, the Mavericks face an uphill battle to maintain their playoff positioning. The team will need to rely on its remaining roster depth and resilience to navigate the challenging final stretch of the season.
Published: Mar 4, 2025 12:24 pm