Dallas Mavericks fans held their breath on Monday night (March 3) as Kyrie Irving went down with a painful-looking leg injury against the Sacramento Kings. But in a moment that had shades of his mentor, the late Kobe Bryant, Irving refused to leave the court before calmly sinking two free throws.
Late in the first quarter, Irving drove to the basket and was fouled between Kings defenders DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas. He landed awkwardly, immediately clutching his left knee and staying down for an extended period. Teammates and medical staff quickly surrounded him, and he was eventually helped off the court, unable to put weight on his left leg.
Irving Goes Down, But Refuses to Leave Without Finishing His Job
Despite the obvious pain, Irving waved off immediate help. He made his way to the free-throw line with the assistance of staff, knocked down both shots, and only then allowed trainers to take him into the locker room. The moment truly captured the heart of fans as the crowd erupted with “MVP!” chants, showing love for the nine-time All-Star.
Luka Dončić, Irving’s former teammate, quickly reacted on social media. The new Lakers guard didn’t write anything, but he shared a couple of emojis—praying hands and a face with tears—showing his concern for Irving. Dončić also shared a clip of Irving taking the free throws before being helped off the court.
Former Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić reacts to an Instagram post about Kyrie Irving's knee injury. pic.twitter.com/N1PrGgSaiq
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) March 4, 2025
As expected, X exploded with reactions. Clips of Irving’s injury and his free throws went viral, with many praising his toughness and comparing the moment to Bryant’s famous free throws after tearing his Achilles in 2013.
Hater Report summed it up perfectly:
“Kyrie Irving, clearly in pain with a leg injury refused to leave the court before he shot 2 free throws before being helped to the locker room reminiscent of his mentor Kobe Bryant.”
Kyrie Irving clearly in pain with a leg injury refused to leave the court before he shot 2 free throws before being helped to the locker room reminiscent of his mentor Kobe Bryant.
Dallas Mavericks fans chanted “MVP!”
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) March 4, 2025
House of Highlights also captured the moment:
“Kyrie stayed in game to shoot 2 FTs after injury. Mavs fans gave him MVP chants at the line. Hope he’s okay. 🙏🙏”
Kyrie stayed in game to shoot 2 FTs after injury.
Mavs fans gave him MVP chants at the line.
Hope he’s okay. 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/JwJbHj4sZC
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) March 4, 2025
Meanwhile, some analysts speculated on the severity of the injury. Sports medical analyst Dr. Deepak Chona broke down the footage, pointing out potential risks:
“Kyrie Irving injury:
(1) His left quad ‘jumps’ before it hits the ground. Seen in tendon ruptures
(2) Knee lands in hyperextension, putting the ACL/LCL/meniscus at risk
Hopefully wrong but not expecting great news.”
Kyrie Irving injury:
(1) His left quad “jumps” before it hits the ground. Seen in tendon ruptures
(2) Knee lands in hyperextension, putting ACL/LCL/meniscus at risk
Hopefully wrong but not expecting great news pic.twitter.com/no25YIg1jG
— Deepak Chona, MD. SportsMedAnalytics (@SportMDAnalysis) March 4, 2025
The Mavericks later announced that Irving had suffered a left knee sprain and would not return for the remainder of the game.
Kyrie Irving (left knee sprain) will not return to tonight's game against the Kings.
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) March 4, 2025
Before his exit, Irving had contributed seven points, one rebound, and one assist in nine minutes of play. His absence adds to the Mavericks’ growing injury list, with Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington Jr. already sidelined.
In the absence of their star scorer, the Mavs lost the momentum and were defeated by the Kings 122-98. Fans and analysts now anxiously await further updates, hoping for good news.
