Irving out for season with ACL injury

Dallas Mavericks' nine-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Irving sustained the injury during Monday's 122-98 defeat against Sacramento Kings in Texas.

The 32-year-old guard has been a regular fixture for Dallas this season, featuring in 50 of their 62 fixtures to help them to 10th in the Western Conference.

"Kai, you are resilient. Excellence, leadership and dedication is who you are. We know you'll come back stronger than ever," Dallas Mavericks posted on X.

After picking up the injury Irving hopped as he was helped back on to the court to convert two free throws before exiting the game.

It is the third high-profile NBA injury in three weeks after San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama - the number one draft pick in 2023 - was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder which will likely see him miss the rest of the season, while Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid is also out for the campaign with a knee injury.

Irving has averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists this season.

Reserve guard Jaden Hardy also sustained an injury to his right ankle during the third quarter on Monday.

Irving's injury is a further blow to Dallas' hopes of reaching the play-offs, with Anthony Davis, who only joined on 8 February in a trade from LA Lakers, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford and Caleb Martin also sidelined.