On March 3, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks suffered a significant setback when star guard Kyrie Irving sustained a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee during a 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings. The injury, confirmed by multiple reports including ESPN’s Shams Charania, marks a premature end to Irving’s 13th NBA season and leaves the Mavericks scrambling to adjust as they cling to a playoff spot in the Western Conference. At 32 years old, Irving was in the midst of an efficient and impactful campaign, making this loss all the more devastating for a team already battling a wave of injuries.
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The injury occurred late in the first quarter of Monday’s game at the American Airlines Center. Irving drove to the basket, drawing a foul from Kings forward DeMar DeRozan. As he planted his right foot, it landed awkwardly on Sacramento’s Jonas Valanciunas, causing Irving to lose balance. His left knee hyperextended upon landing, and he crumpled to the floor in evident pain. Despite the agony—tears streaming down his face—Irving displayed remarkable toughness, staying in the game to shoot two free throws, both of which he made, before being helped off the court to a standing ovation and “MVP” chants from the Dallas crowd.
Postgame, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd called it “just unlucky,” expressing hope that the injury wasn’t severe. However, the diagnosis confirmed the worst: a torn ACL, an injury that typically requires surgery and a recovery timeline extending well into the next season. Irving’s season officially concluded after 50 games played, a cruel twist for a player who had been a beacon of consistency for a Mavericks team already missing key contributors like Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford.
Before the injury, Irving was enjoying one of his most efficient seasons, showcasing the skill and versatility that have made him a nine-time All-Star. In the 2024-25 campaign, he appeared in 50 of Dallas’ 62 games, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. His shooting splits were remarkable: 47.5% from the field, 40.7% from three-point range, and an elite 90.1% from the free-throw line. These numbers placed him in rare company as the only player in the NBA this season averaging at least 20 points while shooting 40% from beyond the arc and 90% from the charity stripe—a feat he’s achieved five times in his career, second only to Stephen Curry.
