No Luka.
And now, no Kyrie.
The Mavericks’ horrific stretch of unhealthy luck worsened Monday when Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee, in keeping with a number of experiences.
Dallas, after making the controversial determination to commerce Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, is now with out its two greatest stars in Irving and Davis whereas Doncic is main the resurgent Lakers.
“Just unlucky,” Kidd mentioned Monday earlier than figuring out the total extent of the harm.
Irving suffered the torn ACL within the first quarter of Monday’s 122-98 dwelling loss to the Kings after falling to the bottom following a drive to the basket.
The previous Duke star landed awkwardly after which grabbed his left knee, setting off concern.
Davis and a staffer helped Irving to the bench, however he really returned to the courtroom to shoot two free throws whereas the group chanted “MVP.”
Irving then exited the courtroom for what would be the remaining time this season.
“Kai’s a tough guy,” Kidd mentioned. “I asked him as they were taking him off the court, ‘Are you good if you leave without shooting? You’re ruled out.’ So they took him to the free-throw line, shot the free throws and then we got him out.”
The 32-year-old averaged 24.7 factors, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists this season spanning 50 video games, serving to the Mavericks keep within the playoff race regardless of Dallas battling accidents all season lengthy.
Doncic appeared in solely 22 video games with the crew earlier than being traded.
The Mavericks owns the tenth and remaining playoff spot with its 32-30 document, sitting 3 1/2 video games — three within the loss column — forward of the Suns with 20 video games remaining.
With out Irving, although, Mavericks don’t have a lot of a roster to defend that lead.
Davis suffered an harm in his Dallas debut and it’s unsure when he’ll return.
Dallas can also be with out Daniel Gafford, Dereck Vigorous II and Caleb Martin, leaving the 2023 Western Convention champions moderately missing getting into the house stretch.
“The injuries that we’ve had this season, guys are trying to hold it together and get other bodies back, and it seems every time we’re close to getting someone back, someone goes down,” Kidd mentioned. “We’re working out of our bodies right here. However guys maintain preventing.’
This harm can also be brutal for Irving because the timing may have an effect on his availability heading into subsequent season.
The 2025-26 season will open in roughly seven months, leaving the veteran guard with restricted time for his rehab and restoration.
Irving has a $44 million participant possibility for subsequent season, and this harm may assist make his determination.
“The character of that group in there, they’re going to fight to the end,” Kidd mentioned. “We’re going to continue keep developing and no matter who’s in a jersey, we’re going to go out there and try to find a way to win.”
