The Dallas Mavericks suffered a significant setback in Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings when Kyrie Irving sustained what appeared to be a serious left knee injury. He had to be assisted off the court, prompting Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT, to analyze the potential outcomes of the injury on X.
- Best-case scenario: Hyperextension or bone bruise
- Worst-case scenario: ACL tear
Jeffries elaborated on his assessment, expressing concern over the nature of the injury.
“The play looked pretty bad,” Jeffries said. **”Kyrie Irving was driving to the basket, and he lands on his left heel, and you can see his knee hyperextend. Buckles pretty bad. The Mavs are now calling it a knee sprain, which is also concerning ’cause whenever you think about a sprain, you gotta look at the ligaments.
“So, most concerning right now you’d be thinking about the ACL but also the PCL based on hyperextension of the knee,”** Jeffries added. “… For right now, my best case scenario is that it’s a hyperextension/bone bruise. The worst-case scenario, it’s a ligament issue, in particular, the ACL or [PCL].”
Speculation has also surfaced regarding a possible quad tendon tear, though Jeffries does not believe that to be the case. However, Dr. Deepak Chona, MD, has not dismissed the possibility of a ruptured quad tendon.
**”(1) His left quad ‘jumps’ before it hits the ground. Seen in tendon ruptures
(2) Knee lands in hyperextension, putting ACL/LCL/meniscus at risk
Hopefully wrong, but not expecting great news.”**
The Mavericks are hoping for the best, as Irving has been crucial to their success this season, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game in 2024-25. The team has been plagued by injuries recently, but this could be their most significant loss yet.
Despite the injury, Irving showed incredible determination by staying in the game to sink two free throws. However, if the worst-case scenario is confirmed—or even if he misses the majority of the 20 remaining regular-season games—the Mavericks’ playoff hopes could be in serious jeopardy.
Having already lost Luka Doncic and dealing with injuries to Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington, the team was relying heavily on Irving. If he is out long-term, their season could be derailed.
The Kings capitalized on the Mavericks’ struggles, handing them a 122-98 loss at the American Airlines Center, dropping Dallas to a 32-30 record. It was their fourth defeat in five games, and with more tough matchups ahead, their season could take a further downward turn. The Mavericks’ next game is against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday at 8 PM ET.
