Mavericks' Kyrie Irving Suffers Torn ACL: 'I Will Be Okay Moving Forward'
Kyrie Irving discusses his ACL injury recovery and support, vowing resilience: "I will be okay moving forward."
The Dallas Mavericks confirmed on Tuesday that guard Kyrie Irving will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL. This injury, sustained during Monday's 122-98 defeat against the Sacramento Kings, is a major setback for the Mavericks' hopes. It represents a significant turn in their season after the prominent trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
Irving was injured after being fouled by DeMar DeRozan on a drive to the basket. He landed awkwardly on his left leg after his right foot made contact with Kings' Jonas Valančiūnas’s foot. Visibly in pain and with tears in his eyes, Irving made two free throws before limping off the court, a scene reminiscent of Kobe Bryant's famous final free throws after tearing his Achilles in 2013.
"That’s just who, I mean, Kai’s a tough guy," Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. "I asked him as they were taking him off the court, ‘Are you good if you leave without shooting? You’re ruled out.’ So they took him to the free-throw line, and he shot the free throws, and then we got him out."
In a thoughtful Instagram post, Irving thanked his supporters and recognized the numerous messages and good wishes he received following his injury.
"I just want to take the time out to thank each and every one of you that tweeted me or sent something on Instagram or sent something on any of the social media channels,” Irving said. “If you texted me, I just wanted to say thank you so much, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Addressing his fans further, Irving discussed the immediacy of his mental and emotional recovery process, underscoring the support he has received globally.
"It hasn’t been 48 hours since I tore my ACL, but, you know, the recovery process already started mentally, spiritually, emotionally,” Irving said. “So just wanted to let you guys know I’m okay, and I will be okay moving forward. It does suck a lot. I ain’t gonna lie to you guys. This one stings for sure, but I have a great support system around me. I have incredible family members and friends, and I know I’m supported not just here in America but internationally. And I’m not on this journey alone."
Irving also shared the personal challenges he faces during recovery, touching on the mental and emotional strain of dealing with such a significant injury.
"It’s not easy sitting up all day in the bed and recovering and thinking about the what ifs and what could have possibly went this way or that way,” Irving said. “I’m just trying to explain to you guys the human emotions that I’m going through right now. It’s tough, but at the same time, I put it in its proper context and proper perspective.
Irving admitted that he's still managing his emotions after a dramatic past month, which included beginning a season with an NBA Finals loss and then the shocking trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I gave it [my] all this season, was giving it all, you know, starting in the summertime after we lost in the Finals,” Irving said. “There’s been a lot of change that’s happened very quickly over the last month, and some change, so I’ve been dealing with emotions just with that too."
Finally, Irving spoke about his philosophy of resilience, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive mindset through adversity.
"When you fall down nine times, you get up 10. I don’t know any other strategy,” Irving said. “It’s just when you fall down, you get back up, and there’s no time to feel bad for yourself or feel sorry, feel the emotions, but this is part of it."
With a 32-30 record, the Mavericks rank 10th in the Western Conference standings. Dallas must use cost-benefit analysis to make tough decisions about possible injury returns for other injured players. A significant slide would cause Dallas to fall out of the play-in picture, limiting the upside of focusing on draft positioning.
After averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, Irving faces a $43.9 million player option this summer. Given Irving is set to celebrate is 33rd birthday in March and will be coming off a torn ACL next time he plays, both sides must weigh some factors regarding the path forward.
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