Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“True competitor” – NBA fans salute Kyrie Irving as Mavs star battles through pain to drain foul shots in Mavericks vs Kings

Tears were streaming down Irving's face while draining foul shots.

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Mavericks star Kyrie Irving was limped to the locker room while driving to the basket on Monday in Dallas’ 98-123 loss to the Sacramento Kings. The 32-year-old landed awkwardly on his left knee in the first quarter and signaled for medical treatment.

Kyrie Irving was hardly putting any weight on his left leg, but still, he attempted two free throws before leaving the court. Tears were streaming down his face while draining foul shots. He also got a standing ovation from fans and converted both foul shots to stretch the Mavericks to 23-18. However, the Kings pulled back in the third quarter and outscored the Mavs 34-16.

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

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Anthony Davis helped Irving to the locker room, and later, teammate Dereck Lively and an assistant coach joined him. The Mavericks ruled him out for the entire game due to a knee sprain. Irving has played 49 out of 61 games for Dallas this season.

Irving remains questionable for the next game against the Bucks, but fans admired the Mavs star for attempting free throws despite being in serious pain. Let’s go through some reactions from NBA fans on Mavericks’ star.

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

One of the most beautiful souls and brothers in the world. Praying for my brother @KyrieIrving. Remember he’s a human before a basketball player, and a special one at that. May Allah cure him fully and elevate him. pic.twitter.com/5WnDnK2kfD
— Dr. Omar Suleiman (@omarsuleiman) March 4, 2025

Kyrie Irving deserves nothing but respect by fans.

I really hope it's not a season-ending injury. If it is, thank you for giving us a reason to crack a smile after the Luka trade

Don't think I can bear watching this team again this season. Its curtains
— Ishaan Bhattacharya (@IshaanBhatta) March 4, 2025

I just have to say how much I truly truly love Kyrie Irving. Fans have been immensely upset for the past month and he has done nothing but understand & meet us where we are

He’s a true leader & the best thing for this team. I hope he’s okay
— lynz (@lynziekate) March 4, 2025

Kyrie Irving’s former teammate, Luka Doncic showed love to him after a knee injury.

Luka Dončić shows love to his former teammate, Kyrie Irving, on his IG story following Kyrie's injury 💙 pic.twitter.com/C5uVUCNFon
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) 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

There is no single player I’ve come to increase my respect for over the last few years than Kyrie Irving – really hoping for the best. And Mavs fans, I’m sorry
— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) March 4, 2025

Kyrie Irving is a warrior. Absolute chills watching this live. pic.twitter.com/gSNxBIs5Up
— Jo (@MavsStan41) March 4, 2025

we love you Kyrie Irving
— Slightly Biased (@BiasedSlightly) March 4, 2025

I wouldnt be able to handle a Kyrie Irving injury. Please be okay
— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) March 4, 2025

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving

NBA 2024-25

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.