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On Tuesday, Kyrie Irving, who is part of the Dallas Mavericks, shared a moment on Instagram Live that was significant to him and basketball fans around the world.
“I think that the greatest gift that I got, that I gave to myself, was going to that free throw line and hitting both free throws… If I didn’t make those free throws, I woulda been pissed all year, you guys have no idea… I know that meant something not only for me, but for all those out there that were worried. I know you guys were feeling for me,” Irving said, per LandonBuford.com.
Irving expressed his emotions after being announced by the Mavericks to have torn his ACL in his left knee during Monday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings. An MRI confirmed that the injury prevented him from playing for the rest of the season.
An Emotional Exit After a Resilient Moment
Irving fell awkwardly and drew a foul against Sacramento towards the end of the first quarter, leading to a devastating moment. The Mavericks’ leader lay on the court in visible pain while his teammates gathered around him to understand how serious the situation was.
Irving remained in the game long enough to shoot his free throws, despite the agony. Despite his tears and limp, he made his way to the line and drained both shots. Fans inside the American Airlines Center erupted in chants of ‘M-V-P’ as Irving walked off the court, knowing that it might be his last game this season.
Anthony Davis, a former Lakers player who was acquired in the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles on February 1, assisted Irving in getting to the line before he had to leave the game for medical evaluation.
A Season of Challenges for the Mavericks
The Mavericks squad has been hit by injuries throughout the season, and Irving’s injury is yet another devastating blow.
- Anthony Davis has been out since his first game with Dallas, where he posted 26 points and 16 rebounds before suffering a torn abductor muscle.
- Daniel Gafford (knee) and Dereck Lively II (ankle) have both missed multiple games.
- Caleb Martin, acquired from Philadelphia, has yet to make his debut due to a lingering hip injury.
- P.J. Washington missed Monday’s game with an ankle injury.
- Jaden Hardy left Monday’s game with a right ankle sprain, adding to the Mavericks’ long list of injuries.
The Mavs had already experienced uncertainty due to Luka Doncic’s shocking departure in early February. The blockbuster deal meant to reshape the team’s future has left the franchise influx, and now, losing Irving only deepens the uncertainty about where Dallas goes from here.
What’s Next for Kyrie and the Mavericks?
Irving’s recovery will be a long one, as ACL injuries often necessitate 6-12 months of rehabilitation. Although his contract with the Mavericks expires in 2026, he will remain a crucial part of their long-term vision, but this injury raises serious concerns about the franchise’s immediate future. Irving’s words are the only thing Mavericks fans can think of now, and his pride in making those free throws before existing, knowing that moment meant something more than just basketball. The act was a symbol of resiliency, a final act of defiance against an unfortunate fate.