DALLAS – The Dallas Mavericks have announced that Kyrie Irving has undergone surgery for a torn ACL in his left knee. This procedure marks the beginning of a recovery journey that is anticipated to extend into the next season.
The team stated on Wednesday night that further medical updates on Irving’s status will be shared as deemed necessary.
Irving sustained the injury during the first quarter of a game against the Sacramento Kings, resulting in a 122-98 loss on March 3. This injury was particularly impactful as it added to a series of setbacks that profoundly affected the Dallas roster.
At 33 years old, Irving is in the last year of his current contract, which includes a player option. His absence adds to the challenges facing the Mavericks, who have also been without Anthony Davis due to a groin injury. Davis, who was traded to Dallas from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for superstar Luka Doncic in early February, had his debut hampered by the injury.
The trade involving Doncic created a significant stir among Dallas fans, with opinions growing more vocal following Davis’ injury on February 8. Consequently, the Mavericks played nine consecutive games without both Irving and Davis. However, Davis recently returned to the lineup, contributing to a 120-101 victory over Brooklyn on Monday.
As the defending champions of the Western Conference, the Mavericks are vying for one of the final play-in tournament spots in a tight contest for ninth and tenth place in the West.
The team is set to face Orlando on Thursday night; however, Davis’ participation remains uncertain, as he was marked as questionable after sitting out the second night of a back-to-back in Tuesday’s 128-113 defeat by the New York Knicks.