NBA World Saluted Kyrie Irving for Shooting Free Throws After Suffering Scary Knee Injury

Attendees inside American Airlines collectively held their breath when Dallas Mavericks star guard Kyrie Irving went down with a knee injury late in the first quarter Monday. As he drove toward the hoop, Irving landed awkwardly and immediately held his left leg in pain.

His teammates and coaches quickly surrounded him, ready to help their leader off the floor. But he was determined to finish the play.

Kyrie hurt pic.twitter.com/wkDYkSvgXU
— MavsHighlights (@MavsHighlights) March 4, 2025

Kyrie Irving Injury pic.twitter.com/AgGL8Ke8sT
— The Mavs Blog (@TheMavsBlog) March 4, 2025

Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan fouled Irving on the play, leaving pending free throws as the star agonized in pain. Instead of immediately heading to the locker room, Irving was helped to the free-throw line for some unfinished business before he exited the game.

Anthony Davis helped Irving to the foul line, where he bravely sank both shots.

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

Kyrie Irving is the definition of strength 🙏🏼#MFFL pic.twitter.com/J8DMb1BkYi
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) March 4, 2025

The NBA world quickly praised Irving for staying in the game for the free throws after the painful injury:

When he hurt his lower leg in Portland last December, yet stayed on the court to shoot the free throws on basically one leg, Kyrie Irving would miss the next 12 games. Looked to be in even more pain tonight, but was determined to shoot those free-throws.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) March 4, 2025

Wow, Kyrie Irving can’t even walk and he’s shooting free throws.

Major respect.
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) March 4, 2025

kyrie shooting those free throws was genuinely awe inspiring
— tim cato (@tim_cato) 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 commands your respect.
— Kirk Henderson (@KirkSeriousFace) March 4, 2025

Kyrie Irving, unable to put any weight on his left leg, was about to be escorted to the locker room. He then remained in the game to shoot his free throws. He pointed to the sky before making both. Another brutal injury for the Mavs. pic.twitter.com/R4CesCdIZo
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) March 4, 2025

Much respect. "MVP" chants rained down from Mavericks fans through Irving's impassioned, determined moment.

The Mavericks later announced that Irving would not return to Monday night's game against the Kings due to a left knee sprain.