Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee, ESPN reported on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old was injured when he was fouled while driving to the basket during the first quarter of Monday’s 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings. He landed awkwardly, immediately grabbed his leg and called for assistance. Irving stayed in the game to make both free throws but was ruled out of the game shortly afterwards.
The nine-time All-Star was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 50 games this season before Monday’s injury.
Irving’s injury comes during a tumultuous time for the Mavericks, who traded star Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers last month. Dallas have a 32-30 record and are in 10th place in the Western Conference, just inside the play-in places.
Anthony Davis, who was obtained in the Dončić trade, sustained a groin injury in his first game for the Mavs and hasn’t played since. The Mavericks have faced severe backlash from fans over the trade, which was greeted with surprise throughout the league. On Monday, the team announced they would raise ticket prices next season.