Kyrie Irving on Free Throws Before Season-Ending ACL Tear
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
On Tuesday, Kyrie Irving took to Instagram Live to reflect on a moment that held deep personal significance—drilling two free throws after sustaining a devastating knee injury.
“I think that the greatest gift that I got, that I gave to myself, was going to that free throw line and hitting both free throws… If I didn’t make those free throws, I woulda been pissed all year, you guys have no idea… I know that meant something not only for me, but for all those out there that were worried. I know you guys were feeling for me.”
It turned out that Irving would not be on the court this season after that moment.
Kyrie Irving Tears ACL, Ending His Season
Irving was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee following an MRI, according to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. Irving got injured in the first quarter when he fell awkwardly after a foul during a shot attempt. Anthony Davis, who was Dallas’ key acquisition in the Luka Doncic trade, helped him up after he spent several minutes on the floor surrounded by teammates. Despite being in visible pain, Irving made his way to the free-throw line and calmly sank both shots as fans chanted ‘M-V-P’ before exiting to the locker room. Irving, 32, will be out for the rest of the season, as confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania later.
The Mavs’ Season Spiraling Out of Control
Irving’s injury has added to the brutal season on the injury front, causing Dallas’ playoff hopes to take another major hit. Anthony Davis was acquired in the Doncic trade that took place in February. 1 has been out since his Mavericks debut because he suffered a torn abductor muscle. Daniel Gafford (knee) and Dereck Lively II (ankle) are still out. At the same time, Caleb Martin, who was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers, has not played a game because of a lingering hip injury. P.J. Washington also missed the Kings’ matchup due to a recurring ankle issue. Dallas’s backcourt depth was further depleted due to Jaden Hardy’s right ankle sprain in the third quarter against Sacramento.
What’s Next for the Mavericks?
Once considered contenders, the Mavericks face an uphill battle in the Western Conference without Irving and Davis. Dallas’ front office will need to revisit their long-term vision as injuries pile up and chemistry remains a work in progress following the team’s midseason overhaul. Irving’s focus has now shifted to recovery. Although the veteran guard has faced injuries throughout his career, his ability to sink those final two free throws is a testament to his determination and resilience. He explained that that moment was shared by everyone who had faith in him, not just him. Mavericks fans will have to wait until next season to see what Kyrie Irving and his team have in store for them, even though they had championship aspirations just months ago.
