SUMMARY
- Kyrie Irving has been sidelined for eight consecutive games due to a heel contusion suffered on December 8 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
- Kyrie Irving has been a key contributor, averaging 23.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in his last 17 games.
The Dallas Mavericks have received a positive update on the injury of Kyrie Irving, who has missed eight consecutive games due to a heel contusion he suffered in the win over the Portland Trail Blazers on December 8. He has made great progress in his recovery. According to reports, the star guard is no longer using a walking boot or crutches and has started his rehabilitation process.
This progress was further highlighted as Kyrie Irving was spotted doing on-court work before the Mavericks’ game against the San Antonio Spurs. This on-court activity is a good sign, suggesting that he may soon be able to play again.
Kyrie is seen getting shots up before the Mavs-Spurs 👀🔥
He has already been ruled OUT for the game but it’s a good sign! pic.twitter.com/nsVOdHOBxC
— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) December 23, 2023
Irving’s absence has been a challenge for the Mavericks, as they have struggled to maintain consistency. The additional workload has notably affected Luka Doncic, who has been averaging nearly 40 minutes per game in December. Irving’s potential return could provide a boost to the team’s performance.
So far this season, Kyrie Irving has been a key player for the Mavericks, averaging 23.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 17 games. He has also been efficient from the field, shooting 47.1 percent overall and 38.4 percent from beyond the arc. While the Mavericks have not given an official update on Irving’s return date, there is hope that he could make his comeback in the team’s Christmas Day game against the Phoenix Suns.
Jason Kidd updates Kyrie Irving’s status for Christmas Day game against the Suns
In his pre-game media availability before Saturday’s matchup, Mavs coach Jason Kidd provided an update on Kyrie Irving’s status for the Mavericks’ Christmas Day matchup with the Phoenix Suns. When asked about Irving’s availability in the game. Kidd stated, “Not that I know of. I can’t answer that. I don’t have an answer for that.”
Kidd while discussing player injuries stated that updates will only be provided when players are ready to return, avoiding rumors on recovery timelines. Ahead of the Mavericks’ recent loss to the Houston Rockets, Kidd shared that timetables would only be announced when players are set to come back.
Jason Kidd when asked if he could share any updates regarding the recoveries of any injured Dallas Mavericks players: “No.”
Kidd on whether Kyrie Irving will make the trip to Phoenix for Christmas Day: “Not that I know of. I can’t answer that. I don’t have an answer for that.”
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) December 23, 2023
“No. We’ll let you know on the timetable so you guys don’t have to ask,” Kidd said before Friday’s loss. “That’s just one less question you have to ask. We’ll say a timetable when guys are coming back. If we say they’re out, they’re out.”
Other injured Mavericks players, including Maxi Kleber and Josh Green, are still out. Kleber has been out since November 8 with a dislocated small toe, while Green has been out with a right elbow sprain since December 1. Kidd mentioned that both players are still in the recovery process, with no specific return dates mentioned.
As for Irving and rookie Dereck Lively II, both have shown positive signs in their recovery. The Mavericks have a record of 10-4 when Doncic, Irving, and Lively all play, highlighting their importance in the lineup.