Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving sustained a left knee sprain during Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. The injury occurred in the first quarter when Irving drove between defenders DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valančiūnas. He fell awkwardly, immediately grabbing his left knee and remaining on the court for several minutes. DeRozan was called for a reach-in foul on the play.
Despite the injury, Irving stayed in to sink both free throws before being helped to the locker room. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
According to CBS Sports, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd updated post-game:
“Just unlucky,” Kidd said. “I hope that he’s healthy and it’s not serious… We’re running out of bodies here, but guys keep fighting.”
Here is the Kyrie Irving Knee injury video…
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) March 4, 2025
I don’t like the way his left knee buckles and hyperextends
-Best case scenario: Hyperextension/bone bruise
-Worst case scenario: ACL tear pic.twitter.com/HHOXo8Pv5e
Irving’s injury adds to the Mavericks’ ongoing struggles, as the team has been plagued by a “wave of injuries” since trading for Luka Dončić. Anthony Davis remains sidelined with an adductor strain, while Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford, and Caleb Martin are also unavailable. The team hopes for good news this week, as Davis, Lively, and Gafford are set to be reevaluated Thursday.
Before the injury, Irving was averaging 25 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 49 games. His absence could lead to increased minutes for Spencer Dinwiddie.
The Mavericks fell to the Kings 122-98, dropping to 32-30 and holding the No. 10 spot in the Western Conference. The Kings, who swept the three-game season series, are now tied for eighth in the West, one game ahead of Dallas.
NBA shocked by Kyrie Irving’s bold move after frightening injury
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving’s incredible resilience in Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings earned widespread admiration.
A moment of pure determination for Kyrie Irving.
— NBA (@NBA) March 4, 2025
After suffering an injury, Kyrie was helped to the line to take his free throws before exiting the game.
He made both. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/hJDDRTDLg7
In the first quarter, Irving’s left knee buckled as he navigated through two Kings defenders, causing him to lose balance and collapse. Despite the evident pain, he insisted on taking his free throws before leaving the court.
The NBA highlighted the moment on X, sharing a video of Irving at the line:
“A moment of pure determination for Kyrie Irving,” the post read. “After suffering an injury, Kyrie was helped to the line to take his free throws before exiting the game. He made both.”
As he sank both shots, the crowd responded with a standing ovation. The Mavericks later ruled Irving out for the rest of the game due to a left knee strain, but his status remains uncertain.
READ: Kyrie Irving & Luka Doncic set the record straight on their bond post-Lakers trade
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