Kyrie Irving Undergoes Successful ACL Surgery as Mavericks Battle Injuries in Playoff Push
Kyrie Irving underwent successful ACL surgery as the Mavericks continue to battle key injuries while fighting for a play-in spot in the Western Conference.
Amid a season filled with injuries, the Dallas Mavericks received some encouraging news Wednesday as All-Star guard Kyrie Irving underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. The procedure was performed by Dr. Riley J. Williams, chief of sports medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
Irving sustained the injury during the first quarter of a March 3 loss to the Sacramento Kings and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. The news hit especially hard in the Mavericks’ locker room.
Anthony Davis, who returned to action Monday night after missing more than six weeks with an adductor injury, reflected on Irving’s absence after finishing with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in 27 minutes in the team’s 120-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
“It was devastating,” Davis said. “Kyrie is a phenomenal basketball player, but even more, a phenomenal human. Anytime anyone goes down to an injury like that it always sucks.”
Davis said he gave Irving some space in the days following the injury, but noted that the veteran guard has remained connected to the team during his early stages of recovery.
“Obviously, the initial injury in the initial moment you want to give him space,” Davis said. “He came back to the locker room, got everything out of his system and was excited about the rehab process. He’s in a good head space.”
Irving attended Monday’s game in Brooklyn and supported teammates from the bench. Davis said having him around continues to lift the team emotionally.
“He’s been around the team,” Davis said. “He was on the bench tonight. So, to see him in a great head space is good for our team, good for me, and I’m pretty sure it’s good for him. Obviously, it sucks. But we’ve got to hold the fort down for this season, and then until next season until he’s ready to come back.”
Irving played in 50 games this season, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. He earned his ninth career All-Star selection and was in the midst of one of his most efficient seasons before the injury.
The Mavericks struggled without Davis, going 6-12 during his absence. His return helped stabilize Dallas on Monday as the team battles for a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament.
“It’s AD,” Naji Marshall said. “He’s going to find his own shots, he’s going to find the ball. He trusts in us, just like coach. So, we just go out there and play.”
Dallas, currently 35-38, has been hit hard by injuries to several key players in addition to Irving, including Davis, Daniel Gafford, Danté Exum, Caleb Martin, Dereck Lively II and P.J. Washington. Dallas has dealt with other injuries at times that have pushed them near the limit of not being able to field a regular rotation, including a season-ending wrist injury for Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Kessler Edwards is out of eligible games to play on his two-way contract after reaching the 50-game limit and cannot sign a standard deal until April 10.
Irving is in the second year of a three-year, $126 million deal and holds a $43.9 million player option for the 2025–26 season. His return timeline will depend on the rehabilitation process, but ACL recovery typically ranges from eight to 12 months.
With limited time left in the regular season, the Mavericks are focused on staying afloat in the standings and hoping to get healthy at the right time.
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