Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving continued to play through a brutal leg injury during Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. Despite the severity of the injury, it unfortunately turned out to be a season-ending torn ACL, Irving insisted on taking his free throws before being helped off the court.
The incident occurred late in the first quarter when Irving drove towards the basket and landed awkwardly, causing his left knee to buckle. The crowd at the American Airlines Center held their breath as Irving fell to the floor, clutching his knee in obvious pain. Teammates and coaches quickly surrounded him, ready to assist their fallen leader.
Here is the Kyrie Irving Knee injury video…
I don’t like the way his left knee buckles and hyperextends
-Best case scenario: Hyperextension/bone bruise
-Worst case scenario: ACL tear pic.twitter.com/HHOXo8Pv5e
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) March 4, 2025
Despite the excruciating pain, Irving was determined to finish the play. Fouled by Sacramento’s DeMar DeRozan, Irving had two free throws pending.
With the help of his teammates, including Anthony Davis, Irving hobbled to the free-throw line. The crowd erupted in applause as Irving sank both shots, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the game.
A moment of pure determination for Kyrie Irving.
After suffering an injury, Kyrie was helped to the line to take his free throws before exiting the game.
He made both. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/hJDDRTDLg7
— NBA (@NBA) March 4, 2025
Irving’s decision to take the free throws before exiting the game drew comparisons to the late Kobe Bryant, who famously made two free throws after tearing his Achilles tendon in 2013. The Mavericks’ fans chanted “MVP” as Irving completed his shots.
Following the free throws, Irving was helped off the court and into the locker room. The Mavericks announced that Irving would not return to the game, and his status for upcoming matches remains uncertain.
Irving’s remarkable display of toughness expectedly was celebrated by NBA Twitter. Here are some of the best reactions.
Kyrie Irving knocked down 2 free throws with a f*cked up knee and tears streaming down his face.
LEGEND SHIT
pic.twitter.com/IWwz8x00Z0— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) March 4, 2025
Injury? Nah they’re taking those free throws.
2013: Kobe Bryant
2019: Klay Thompson
2025: Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/s6U10ipis5— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) March 4, 2025
Pray for JJJ & Kyrie tonight🙏🏽
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) March 4, 2025
I BLAME YOU BITCH ASS NIGGA pic.twitter.com/fPKYjVzq8r
— offKyrie (@offKyrie) March 4, 2025
Kyrie Irving was clearly in pain with a leg injury but refused to leave the court before he shot two free throws — similar to his mentor Kobe Bryant.
Anthony Davis was among those who helped Irving off the court and into the locker room.
Dallas Mavericks fans chant “MVP!” pic.twitter.com/70lSWNnma6
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) March 4, 2025
The inevitability of this happening was so obvious yet the Mavs let it continue to happen pic.twitter.com/rZnucVbxO8
— lami⭐️ (@lamibackup) March 4, 2025
Kobe is definitely smiling.
— George Anagnostopoulos (@CoachAgno) March 4, 2025
