Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving Exits Game With Left Knee Sprain/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Kyrie Irving suffered a left knee sprain in the first quarter of the Mavericks’ 122-98 loss to the Kings. Despite visible pain and tears, Irving returned to the court to make two free throws before being ruled out for the night. Coach Jason Kidd expressed hope that the injury is not serious, but the Mavericks, already plagued by injuries, now face another major setback.
Kyrie Irving Injury: Quick Look
- Injury Incident: Irving landed awkwardly after contact, hyperextending his left knee.
- Emotional Moment: Despite pain, he shot free throws before leaving.
- No Update Yet: The Mavericks provided no official diagnosis postgame.
- Coach’s Concern: Jason Kidd hopes injury is not severe.
- Mavs’ Injury List: Already missing Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and more.
- Another Setback: Jaden Hardy also left the game with an ankle injury.
- Game Result: Mavericks lost 122-98 to the Kings.
Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving Suffers Knee Injury in Loss to Kings
Irving’s Painful Exit After Hard Fall
Kyrie Irving suffered a left knee sprain in the first quarter of the Dallas Mavericks’ 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday night. The injury occurred when he was fouled on a drive by DeMar DeRozan, causing him to land awkwardly on the foot of Kings center Jonas Valanciunas. As his balance gave way, Irving’s left knee appeared to hyperextend before he collapsed to the floor in clear distress.
After remaining on the ground for several minutes, Irving was helped to the locker room. However, in a dramatic moment, he returned to the court—tears visible in his eyes—to take his free throws before leaving for the night.
Coach Kidd: “Just Unlucky”
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of the injury.
“Just unlucky,” Kidd said postgame. “I hope that he’s healthy, that it’s not serious.”
Kidd also revealed that Irving insisted on taking his free throws despite the pain.
“That’s just who he is—Kai’s a tough guy,” Kidd said. “I asked him, ‘Are you good if you leave without shooting?’ He didn’t hesitate. He went to the free-throw line, made both, and then we got him out.”
Mavericks’ Injury Problems Worsen
Irving’s injury is yet another blow for a Dallas team already dealing with a depleted roster. The Mavericks were without newly acquired Anthony Davis, who has not played since Feb. 8 due to a groin injury, as well as Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington Jr.
To make matters worse, reserve guard Jaden Hardy left in the third quarter with a right ankle sprain, forcing Dallas to finish the game with just nine available players.
“It seems every time we get close to getting somebody back, someone else goes down,” Kidd said. “Tonight, both Hardy and Kai go down. So, we’re running out of bodies here.”
A Moment Reminiscent of Kobe Bryant
Irving’s decision to shoot free throws despite his injury drew comparisons to the late Kobe Bryant, who famously sank two foul shots after tearing his Achilles tendon in 2013.
While the severity of Irving’s injury remains unclear, his determination to step back onto the court, even for a brief moment, highlighted his toughness and leadership.
Uncertain Road Ahead for Dallas
With Irving’s status unknown and the team already missing key players, the Mavericks now face an uphill battle. Irving entered the game averaging 25.0 points per contest and has been Dallas’ primary offensive weapon since Luka Dončić was traded to the Lakers on Feb. 1. Losing him for any extended period could be devastating to the team’s playoff hopes.
The Mavericks have yet to provide an official update on Irving’s condition, and his availability for upcoming games remains uncertain.
For now, Dallas must hope for the best as they brace for yet another injury-related challenge.
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