Kyrie Irving’s season has come to an end. The guard suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Monday night’s game between the Mavericks and Kings.
It’s a devastating blow for a 32-30 Dallas squad, currently sitting at 10th in the Western Conference. After trading Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, the Mavs have relied on Irving to carry their offense. This season, the nine-time All-Star has averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists while shooting 47.3% from the field (40.1 3PT%).
Tuesday’s news continues a brutal string of injury luck for Dallas. Over the past two months, centers Anthony Davis (adductor), Dereck Lively II (ankle) and Daniel Gafford (knee) have all missed multiple weeks of action. As things stand right now, guards Spencer Dinwiddie and Max Christie are the most likely replacements for Irving as lead ball-handler. Veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson could also see an increase in usage, at least until Davis returns.
