Kyrie Irving Tears ACL, Out for Season in Major Blow to Mavs

Kyrie Irving’s season is over. On Monday night, Dallas’ All-Star guard tore the ACL in his left leg.

Irving crumpled to the ground late in the first quarter while driving to the basket. After spending several minutes on the floor, Irving was helped to his feet. Weeks removed from his ninth All-Star appearance, Irving was in the midst of a great season for the Mavericks. The 32-year-old was averaging 24.7 PPG while shooting over 40% from three and 90% from the free throw line.

The guard was visibly emotional when he was helped to his feet, with tears seen running down his cheeks while at the free throw line. Irving’s decision to shoot the two free throws before leaving the game was reminiscent of the late Kobe Bryant — Irving’s mentor and good friend. In 2013, Bryant tore his Achilles in the fourth quarter of a must-win game against the Golden State Warriors. Bryant made both free throws before heading to the locker room.

While Irving was able to make both attempts, the Mavs were unable to contend with the visiting Sacramento Kings. The 122-98 loss dropped Dallas to 32-30. Currently, the Mavs occupy the 10th seed — the final spot in the play-in tournament — and hold a 3.5-game lead over Phoenix.

Irving’s injury wasn’t the only concern Monday night, either. Guard Jaden Hardy sprained his right ankle in the third quarter and was unable to return to the court. Irving and Hardy join a long list of injured Mavs. Star Anthony Davis remains out with an adductor strain, and the Mavs are also without Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II and Caleb Martin.

Irving will now focus on rehabbing his knee ahead of the 2025-26 season — the star has a $44 million player option, the final year of his current deal.