Mavs’ Kyrie Irving Suffers Left Knee Sprain, Shoots Free Throws Before Exiting

Mavs’ Kyrie Irving Suffers Left Knee Sprain, Shoots Free Throws Before Exiting

DALLAS (AP) — Kyrie Irving suffered a left knee sprain Monday night during the Dallas Mavericks’ 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Despite being in obvious pain, he stepped to the free-throw line with tears in his eyes before leaving the game late in the first quarter.

How the Injury Happened

Irving was fouled by DeMar DeRozan on a drive to the basket. As he landed, his right foot came down on Kings center Jonas Valanciunas’ foot, causing him to lose balance. This led to an awkward landing on his left leg, which appeared to hyperextend before he collapsed to the floor.

The Mavericks provided no postgame update on the severity of Irving’s injury.

Coach Jason Kidd’s Reaction

“Just unlucky,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. “I hope that he’s healthy, that it’s not serious.”

After the fall, Irving clutched his left leg and remained on the court for several minutes. Injured teammate Anthony Davis was among those who helped him to the locker room. However, before officially exiting, Irving insisted on returning to shoot his free throws.

A Display of Toughness

With Dallas trailing 23-16, Irving stepped back onto the court and sank both free throws, narrowing the gap to 23-18. He was then helped back into the tunnel, and the team quickly ruled him out for the rest of the game.

“That’s just who Kai is. He’s a tough guy,” Kidd said. “I asked him as they were taking him off the court, ‘Are you good if you leave without shooting? You’d be ruled out.’ So they took him back, and he shot the free throws before we got him out.”

Reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s Iconic Moment

Irving’s decision to return to the floor was reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s legendary toughness. In 2013, Bryant made two crucial free throws for the Los Angeles Lakers after tearing his Achilles tendon in a game against the Golden State Warriors.

Dallas’ Growing Injury Woes

A nine-time All-Star, Irving has been averaging 25.0 points per game and is Dallas’ primary perimeter scoring threat following the trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 1.

The Mavericks were already dealing with a long injury list, including:

• Anthony Davis (groin injury, out since Feb. 8)
• Daniel Gafford
• Dereck Lively II
• P.J. Washington Jr.

To make matters worse, reserve guard Jaden Hardy suffered a right ankle sprain in the third quarter and did not return. The Mavericks finished the game with just nine available players.

“It seems like every time we get close to getting someone back, somebody else goes down,” Kidd said. “Tonight, both Hardy and Kai go down. We’re running out of bodies here.”

What’s Next for the Mavericks?

With Irving’s status uncertain and multiple key players already sidelined, the Mavericks face a tough road ahead. The team will await further medical evaluations to determine how long their star guard may be out.

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