Kyrie Irving, the prominent guard for the Dallas Mavericks, successfully underwent surgery for his torn left ACL on Wednesday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. The procedure, led by Dr. Riley J. Williams, confirmed the ACL injury while revealing no further damage to other ligaments or the meniscus. Irving incurred the injury on March 3 during a 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings, landing awkwardly on his left leg after a drive to the basket.
This season had been one of Irving’s most impressive, with averages of 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He was a crucial asset for Dallas, especially following Luka Dončić’s trade, and seemed poised for an All-NBA selection. Notably, he was the only player this season recording at least 20 points per game, shooting 40% from beyond the arc, and boasting a 90% free-throw percentage. His absence leaves a considerable void for the Mavericks, who have struggled to a 3-8 record since his injury.
The Mavericks’ campaign has been further complicated by injuries. Besides Irving, Anthony Davis, a key player obtained in the Dončić trade, has also dealt with injury setbacks, facing a groin issue that sidelined him for six weeks. Davis returned on March 24, helping the team secure a win over Brooklyn, but the squad continues to be impacted by injuries and roster difficulties affecting players such as Daniel Gafford, Dante Exum, and Caleb Martin.
Following his surgery, Irving is expected to enter a lengthy rehabilitation process. He has had previous issues with his left knee; in 2015, he underwent surgery for a fractured patella, and screws were removed from the same knee in 2018. The average recovery timeframe for an ACL tear ranges from 8 to 12 months, but Irving maintains a positive outlook on his recovery journey. Soon after the injury, he shared on Instagram Live, “It hasn’t been 48 hours since I tore my ACL, but the recovery process already started mentally, spiritually, emotionally. I just wanted to let you guys know I’m OK, and I will be OK moving forward.”
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