The Dallas Mavericks have been quite unfortunate with injuries, namely with Anthony Davis’. Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford are other players who are currently sidelined.
All these injuries indeed affect the Mavericks’ playoff hopes, and it certainly looks like a stretch right now. Jason Kidd has struggled to find the right replacement for the absentees, but he’s chosen to sign Kai Jones, who had a decent debut vs. the Sacramento Kings as well.
Kyrie Tears ACL During Mavs’ Loss to Kings
Kyrie Irving has undoubtedly been the Mavericks’ standout player, even before Davis was traded to the Dallas-based team. The way he has been leading the team on and off the court has been nothing short of phenomenal.
However, all that came to a tragic end during Dallas’ loss to Sacramento. After Irving attempted to drive to the rim against DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valančiūnas in the first quarter, he collapsed after going off-balance.
The Mavs point guard managed to earn a foul, and still somehow made his two free throws before leaving the game. It brought back memories of the legendary Kobe Bryant, who did the same after he tore his Achilles during a game.
Unfortunately, it looks like Mavs fans’ worst fear has come true, and NBA insider Shams Charania has announced that Irving will miss the rest of the season.
Breaking: Dallas Mavericks All-Star Kyrie Irving has suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/VEgTU6iF6S
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 4, 2025
Now that Irving is also sidelined, it spells further trouble for Kidd. The Mavericks do not have a secondary ball handler who can make plays for himself and his teammates, apart from Irving.
Dallas is currently 32-30 in the Western Conference and is just 3.5 games away from the Phoenix Suns for the 10th seed.
Given Irving’s absence, there’s a high chance that the Mavericks slip down the standings. In their next three games, Dallas will face the Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Suns. All three will be crucial to deciding Dallas’ playoff hopes for this year, which are growing slimmer.
