MILWAUKEE — Mavericks’ coach Jason Kidd expressed discontent over media reports suggesting Kyrie Irving’s recent knee injury was a result of his strenuous workload. Irving suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. The injury occurred after he was fouled by DeMar DeRozan, resulting in an awkward landing on Kings’ Jonas Valanciunas’ foot during a drive to the basket.
Kidd stated before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, which saw the Mavericks lose 137-107, that the incident should be termed a “freak accident” rather than attributing it to the player’s recent playing time. “We need to portray it accurately,” Kidd commented, addressing the issue of media exaggerations and fabrications.
Irving, who is 32, was playing an average of 36.1 minutes per game, placing him 12th in the NBA for time spent on the court before the injury. His minutes saw an uptick over the month following Luka Doncic’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers. Post-trade, Irving frequently played over 40 minutes in early games, with February seeing him average 39.3 minutes per game.
Kidd defended Irving, mentioning that the player was both willing and eager to shoulder the increased minutes. “Irving elected to take on those minutes,” Kidd explained. “It’s his profession, and he truly relishes being on the court.” Kidd urged media to support and highlight athletes’ efforts more accurately. “Playing at a high level at age 32 should be welcomed. Accidents happen irrespective of minutes, and we should encourage more playing time for athletes,” Kidd emphasized.
This injury concluded a remarkable season for Irving, who averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, with a three-point shooting accuracy exceeding 40%. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Mavericks lineup.
Klay Thompson, a teammate, acknowledged the emotional impact of losing Irving. “Kyrie’s been pivotal this season, and replacing him seems impossible,” Thompson stated. Thompson added that the team needs to rally in Irving’s absence, saying, “We must play in his honor and strive through this challenge.”
Irving’s injury compounded existing woes for the Mavericks, already without Anthony Davis due to a groin injury sustained in his first game after coming from the Lakers. Currently, the Mavericks are positioned 10th in the Western Conference, clinging onto hopes for the play-in tournament leading to the playoffs.
In addition to Irving and Davis, multiple injuries left the Mavericks shorthanded against the Bucks, fielding a limited lineup featuring Max Christie, Spencer Dinwiddie, Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Dwight Powell. Thompson stood out with 28 points.
Several Mavericks players were sidelined: Kai Jones (quadriceps strain), Dante Exum (bruised right foot), Jaden Hardy and P.J. Washington Jr. (both with sprained right ankles), Daniel Gafford (sprained right knee), Caleb Martin (strained right hip), and Dereck Lively II (stress fracture in right ankle).
Thompson emphasized the strength and perseverance required in tough times. “Navigating adversity isn’t easy, but it reveals true character. Winning feels great, but real resilience is shown when facing challenges,” he noted.
