Kyrie Irving Out for Rest of Mavs’ Season; Knee Injury Diagnosed as Torn ACL

After Dallas Mavericks star point guard Kyrie Irving appeared to suffer a devastating knee injury in Monday night’s loss to the Sacramento Kings, the team had its worst fears confirmed.

The Mavs announced Tuesday that Irving was diagnosed with a torn ACL after initially being diagnosed with a left knee sprain.

ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported that Irving’s season was over.

Irving suffered the injury late in the first quarter of Monday night’s game when he landed awkwardly on his left knee. He had to be helped back to his feet, and he made two free throws with tears rolling down his face before being helped back to the locker room. Dallas went on to suffer a 122-98 loss against Sacramento, its fourth loss in its last five games.

The injury ends what was shaping up to be a stellar season for Irving, who finishes with averages of 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists. ESPN’s Bobby Marks pointed out that the 32-year-old is no longer eligible for All-NBA honors as well as $2 million in bonuses for game appearances. He has a $43 million player option for the 2025-26 season, and it remains to be seen how this injury will affect his decision-making.

Dallas will also be without guard Jaden Hardy “for a period of time” after he suffered an ankle sprain on Monday night, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

This marks the latest setback for the Mavs following their shocking trade of star guard Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers last month.

Star center Anthony Davis, who was the key acquisition from shipping away Dončić, lasted just three quarters in his Dallas debut before suffering an adductor strain that ruled him out indefinitely. Veteran center Daniel Gafford later suffered a sprained MCL that ruled him out for at least six weeks. Forward Caleb Martin, who was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers at the trade deadline, has yet to wear a Mavs uniform while remaining sidelined with a hip injury.

Meanwhile, Dončić is thriving with the Lakers, who have won six straight games and now rank second in the Western Conference with a 38-21 record.

After falling to 32-30 following Monday’s loss, Dallas is clinging to the No. 10 spot in the West. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the loss of Irving causes the Mavs to nosedive down the standings.