Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will play no further part in the ongoing NBA season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL ) in his left knee on Monday night.
32-year-old Kyrie, who has featured in 50 of Mavericks’ 62 regular-season games, sustained the injury during the 122-98 defeat against the Sacramento Kings in Texas.
Irving did have to hop back on to the court after picking up the injury, helped by Anthony Davis and an official as he made his way to the free-throw line and convert both shots before exiting the game.
The nine-time NBA all-star has averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists this season to help the Dallas Mavericks to 10th position on the Western Conference standings.
Irving’s injury is a further blow to Dallas’ hopes of reaching the play-offs, with Anthony Davis – who only joined last month in a high-profile trade from the Los Angeles Lakers – also on the sidelines due to injury.
The Mavs are also without Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford and Caleb Martin as the trio continue their recovery on the treatment table.