Published by: Valdemar Carnegie
Updated: 7:06 PM EST March 4, 2025
Original Photo: Sam Hodde/Getty Images
On Monday night, the Dallas Mavericks suffered a tough 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings. However, the biggest story of the night wasn’t the final score—it was the injury to their franchise star, Kyrie Irving. Fans and viewers immediately sensed the severity of the situation as Irving was unable to walk off the court on his own.
On Tuesday morning, ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that Irving suffered a torn ACL in his left knee and will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
The news is devastating for NBA fans, especially those in Dallas. Irving has been carrying the Mavericks since the team traded away Luka Dončić. Now, with their leader sidelined, the team’s playoff hopes have taken a major hit. Unfortunately, injuries have been an ongoing issue for the Mavericks this season.
Notable players sidlined due to injury: Power forward Anthony Davis, who was acquired in the trade for Dončić, is also dealing with injuries. Reports suggest that with Irving out, the Mavericks may consider shutting Davis down for the rest of the season to allow him to fully recover.
Both centers, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, are also out. Gafford has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 right MCL sprain, which will sideline him for at least six weeks. Lively is dealing with a right ankle stress fracture and will be re-evaluated in four weeks.
Despite the injury, Irving maintained a positive mindset. He went live on Instagram later Tuesday and reflected on his final moments before leaving the game.
“The greatest gift I received was going to that free throw line and hitting both free throws,” Irving said. Laughing, he added, “If I didn’t make both free throws, I would’ve been pissed all year.”
Irving finished the season averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He shot 47.3% from the field, 40.1% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line. This marks the fifth season in his career with those numbers, the second-most in NBA history behind Stephen Curry. He also made it clear on his livestream that he intends to return stronger than ever.
With Irving out, what does this mean for Dallas? Should they shut Anthony Davis down for the season? Do they have enough depth to make a surprise playoff push despite their injuries?
Only time will tell, but for now, the Mavericks’ season looks more uncertain than ever.
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