Jason Kidd Reveals Optimistic Update on Kyrie Irving's Back Injury: 'It's Not Long-Term'
Jason Kidd provides an optimistic update on Kyrie Irving's back injury, calling it "not long-term" as the Mavericks navigate a critical stretch without their star players.
DALLAS — During the Dallas Mavericks’ 118-97 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on Tuesday night, head coach Jason Kidd provided TNT with an optimistic update on Kyrie Irving’s injury status.
Irving hadn’t played since New Year's Day when he totaled 16 points and seven assists in a 108-102 loss against the Houston Rockets. He missed the following game due to illness and has remained sidelined since. His designation on the injury report changed from an illness to a lumbar sprain for the last two games, raising questions about when he will play next.
Addressing Irving’s ongoing back issue, Kidd told TNT before Tuesday’s game, “It is not long-term. We're working on it. We're positive the results will be good.”
This followed Kidd’s initial comments on Monday before the Mavericks' 119-104 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies. Just hours later, ESPN reported that Irving would miss at least one to two weeks while undergoing treatment to determine a more precise timetable for his return. The report described Irving’s injury as a bulging disc, contrasting the lumbar sprain designation on the injury report.
“He’s out. There’s nothing I can speculate or comment on," Kidd said before Monday’s game. "As you know, it’s reported that he’s out for a week or two. Give me 48 hours to get that answer for you. I don’t know how. I can give you that answer. I don’t know how.”
Irving has been a crucial piece for Dallas this season, averaging 24.3 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds over 30 games. His absence places additional pressure on the Mavericks amid already dealing with Luka Dončić being sidelined due to a left calf strain, who must rely on contributions from their supporting cast to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Understanding the Complexity of Irving’s Injury
Irving has a bulging disc in his back, which can significantly impact an athlete’s ability to perform. To better understand the nature of the injury and potential recovery timelines, DallasHoopsJournal.com consulted Mike Robertson, President of Robertson Training Systems and co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST). Robertson is a respected performance coach specializing in injury prevention and rehabilitation for elite athletes.
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