The Dallas Mavericks are not losers in the Luka Doncic Trade, according to Metta World Peace, but with Kyrie Irving's recent injury, things have drastically changed for the team.

The all-star point guard has torn an ACL, marking the end of his 2025 season. The crippling injury came in Monday's match against Sacramento Kings, which caused shock throughout the NBA.

The Moment That Changed Everything

Kyrie Irving Optimistic to Come Back After Torn ACL: Can Kyrie Irving Optimistic to Come Back After Torn ACL: Can
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As TMZ Sports reports, Irving resorted to Instagram Live to reach out to fans, revealing his disappointment but assuring all that he is set on his recovery and comeback. Even with the devastating setback, the 32-year-old guard was upbeat, thanking his fans for well-wishes as he flaunted his bandaged leg in a compression wrap.

With less than three minutes remaining in the first quarter, Irving drove to the basket when his knee suddenly gave way. He fell to the ground in apparent agony, unable to place any weight on his left leg. Nonetheless, true to Kyrie form, he demonstrated his toughness by making both free throws before he left the court.

Initially diagnosed as a "left knee sprain," subsequent medical assessment on Tuesday confirmed the worst—an ACL tear, essentially putting an end to his season and giving a crushing blow to the Mavericks' playoff aspirations.

NBA Stars Rally Behind Kyrie

After the injury, LeBron James and Luka Doncic were two of the first to extend their support. James, a former Irving teammate from their championship-winning stint in 2016 with the Cavaliers, placed prayers on his social media platform.

Doncic, meanwhile, who recently joined the Los Angeles Lakers, posted a video of Irving's free throws complete with emotional emojis, indicating respect for the veteran guard's tenacity.

Mavericks Face Tough Road Ahead

Dallas head coach Jason Kidd conceded that Irving's injury demoralized the team, and it was evident in their play. The Mavericks endured a 122-98 blowout defeat against the Kings, with fans departing early in anger.

To add to the confusion, the franchise recently issued a major price hike in season tickets for the 2025-26 season. This move, along with Doncic's abrupt exit and now Irving's injury, has left most Mavericks fans disenchanted.

The Irving-less Mavs only made the Doncic trade look even worse, according to USA Today.

Can the Mavs Bounce Back Without Kyrie?

With injury-riddled Anthony Davis and no Kyrie for the remainder of the season, the Mavericks have to double their work if they want to reach the play-in at least. It will be very hard for them since there will be no leader to step up on the team.

Without the marquee guard, Dallas will require a "next-man-up" approach to remain competitive in the Western Conference.

Kyrie Irving announced in February that he wanted to represent Australia in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.