The Mavericks can’t have something good.
A month after buying and selling franchise favourite Luka Doncic to the Lakers on Feb. 2, Mavericks level guard Kyrie Irving suffered a regarding leg damage in Monday’s 122-98 loss to the Kings (32-28, ninth in Western Convention). ( h/t NBA reporter Grant Afseth)
Irving took two free throws earlier than leaving the sport. Injured ahead Anthony Davis, acquired within the commerce that despatched Doncic to Los Angeles, assisted Irving off the court docket afterward.
Whereas the severity of Irving’s damage is unknown, Dallas can’t afford to lose Irving for an prolonged interval. With Davis (adductor pressure) sidelined, Irving is the crew’s finest participant. Even when Davis is wholesome, he’s the Mavs’ finest playmaker since they traded Doncic.
The Mavericks (32-30, tenth in Western Convention) are 6-6 for the reason that notorious Doncic commerce. Throughout that stretch, Irving has averaged 28.1 factors, 5.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.8 steals and one block per sport.
Dallas presently seems protected to make the play-in match, however issues might change if Irving misses a number of video games. It’s 4 video games forward of the Suns (28-33, eleventh in Western Convention) for the West’s closing play-in match spot.
Phoenix has its personal points after ahead Kevin Durant said the Suns “embarrassed ourselves” following a 116-98 loss to the Timberwolves (33-29, eighth in Western Convention) on Sunday. Nevertheless, with the expertise on Phoenix’s roster, a late season push can’t be dominated out, particularly if the Mavericks crater. Contemplating their woes, it is possible.
Davis and Irving are each battling accidents. Making issues worse, younger backup capturing guard Jaden Hardy, who might play vital minutes within the frontcourt relying on Irving’s prognosis, appeared to injure his decrease proper leg. (h/t Afseth)
At this level, Mavericks followers ought to be numb to the ache. However for many who nonetheless haven’t been desensitized, Irving’s damage might strike their final nerve.
