Things aren’t working out for the Dallas Mavericks at the moment. First, they dealt with severe backlash over trading away Slovenian superstar Luka Dončić. Just as they hoped that Anthony Davis would fill the gap and join Kyrie Irving, their leading scorer, to keep the momentum going, Davis was sidelined as well following a left adductor strain.
Now, the biggest misfortune has struck them this season. Irving, the anchor of their offensive effort, has been ruled out for the season after suffering an ACL injury. The Mavericks star tore the ACL in his left knee during a game against the Sacramento Kings on March 3, 2025. Irving’s injury sent shockwaves through the NBA world, with players and fans lining up to send him well wishes.
NBA Fans Pour In Love for Kyrie Irving
Irving had been consistent throughout the season, leading the team with an average of 24.7 points per game. At this point, it is unclear whether he has sustained a partial or complete ACL tear. However, ACL injuries generally require surgery and have a recovery period of around six to nine months.
Amid all the concerns and speculation, the star shooting guard shared an uplifting message to assure fans that he is OK, doing so via Instagram live video.
“It hurts. It hasn’t been 48 hours since I tore my ACL, but the recovery process already started — mentally, spiritually, emotionally. Just wanted to let you guys know I’m OK,” Irving assured fans during an Instagram Live session on the afternoon of March 4.
“I’m ain’t gonna lie to you guys; yeah, this one stinks for sure.”
“It hasn’t been 48 hours since I tore my ACL but the recovery process already started. Mentally, spiritually, emotionally.”
Kyrie on IG live in good spirits ❤️ @KyrieIrving pic.twitter.com/vnAOlVYdJe
— Overtime (@overtime) March 4, 2025
However, he acknowledged the challenge ahead, choosing to stay optimistic and focus on his recovery.
“Like I said a few moments ago, I have a breath. I have breath in my lungs. I’m good, you know; I have a chance,” he continued. “A lot of people around the world don’t get the same chance to wake up and just breathe and be, you know, a little bit stress-free or not have a lot of trauma going on in their lives.”
Kyrie Irving on Instagram Live after tearing his ACL last night:
“When you fall down nine times, you get up 10. I don’t know any other strategy, it’s just when you fall down, you get back up. There’s no time to feel bad for yourself or feel sorry…I have breath in my lungs, I’m… pic.twitter.com/vAzvqepM4k
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) March 4, 2025
NBA fans lit up social media over the nine-time All-Star’s resilient and hopeful message. Reactions poured in, acknowledging his grit and determination to come back stronger. One fan summed up Irving’s heartfelt message and the support from the NBA community perfectly:
“He gonna come back better watch,” they posted on X.
Hope ya recover, ya one of the best on the court.
Lucky ya have a good support system.
Not many people are blessed with that during recovery.Keep ya head up, take ya time healing.
— iComplex1 (@RealiComplex1) March 4, 2025
“Damn this sucks. I wanted to see Kyrie and AD in the playoffs vs Luka & Bron… Wishing Kyrie a speedy healthy recovery he’s one of those ones,” said another fan.
One other user on X chimed in with their own personal anecdote to inspire Irving: “My 12 year old son popped his in October playing football. Has been working thru PT and return to play therapy since. A positive attitude is all you need.”
Irving’s absence is a major blow to the Mavericks’ playoff hopes. The team currently sits 10th in the Western Conference, and with both Irving and possibly Davis Anthony Davis sidelined for the remainder of the season, pushing beyond the regular season will be an uphill battle.