Dallas Mavericks star guard Kyrie Irving has been feeling the love from the fans ever sincehe tore his ACL on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings.Irving generously kept fans up to speed about his condition.
On Wednesday, hesuccessfully underwent surgery to repair his ACL at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. In response, fans flooded social media with messages of support and encouragement.Among the messages included the prayer emoji, “Get well soon Kyrie”, and “I'm so happy to hear that”.
Irving is out for the remainder of the season, and his recovery is expected to last close to a year.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) attempt to gain control during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The void Kyrie Irving filled post-Luka
Before his injury, Irving was the catalyst for the Mavericks. He came to life after the Mavericksunexpectedly traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Irving averaged 26.5 points per game, 5.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds since the trade.
While the fans were despondent following the trade, some going as far ascancelling their season tickets, Irving made it a point totell the fans to move pass it.
Related Dallas Mavericks NewsArticle continues below
“I don't want anyone to play the blame game,” Doncic said.
Irving admitted it was anemotional roller coaster to play without Luka or play against him.
According to CBS Sports, the Mavericks had a37.8% chance of making the playoffs before Irving's injury. Those chances have now slipped to 24.4%.
The Mavericks stand at 35-38 and have lost 12 out of their last 16 games since Irving's absence. It is safe to say that the Mavericks will have an even greater uphill climb with the season entering its final stages.
In the post-Luka trade, Irving was their ultimate spark interms of veteran leadership and commanding presence. He filled a void, but now he has left a void, a huge one.