Dallas Mavericks All-Star Kyrie Irving has suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee, the team announced on Tuesday, while expressing optimism the veteran guard will "come back stronger than ever."
Irving, 32, sustained the injury late in the first quarter of the Mavericks' loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday night.
The injury is a devastating blow to the Mavericks' season, as Irving was the team's best overall player and appeared in 50 of the team's 62 games. Irving, who made his ninth NBA All-Star team in February, is the only NBA player this season averaging at least 20 points, 40% 3-point shooting and 90% from the free throw line.