Mavs’ Kyrie Irving sinks two free throws before being helped off the court with a knee injury during Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. While executing a Euro step, Irving’s left knee buckled, causing him to collapse on the court, raising concerns among fans and teammates alike.
Assisting Irving was injured forward Anthony Davis, who was initially helping him to the locker room. However, in a surprising turn, Irving returned to the court to shoot two free throws. After successfully making both shots, which narrowed the score to 23-18, he was escorted off the floor, supported by injured teammate Dereck Lively and an assistant coach. Shortly after, it was confirmed that he suffered a knee sprain.
Before his injury, Irving had made a noticeable impact, scoring seven points in just nine minutes. He entered the game averaging 25 points and 4.7 assists over 49 games this season. His role became even more significant after the Mavericks traded superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers, leaving Irving as the primary perimeter shot-creator.
Currently, the Mavericks hold a record of 32-29, placing them 10th in the NBA’s Western Conference, which secures the final spot in the Play-In Tournament. They maintain a four-game lead over the 11th-place Phoenix Suns and the 12th-place Portland Trail Blazers. However, if Irving’s injury sidelines him for an extended period, it could open the door for those teams to make a late playoff push.
Meanwhile, the Kings, currently in ninth place with a record of 31-28, recognize the importance of this matchup in shaping the playoff picture. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams as they vie for postseason positioning.
