Dallas Mavs Coach Jason Kidd Shuts Down False Kyrie Irving Injury Reporting: 'He's Still Here'
PORTLAND — During the second quarter of the Dallas Mavericks' 125-112 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, Dwight Powell landed on Kyrie Irving, causing him to injure his right foot. The reigning NBA All-Star starter was ruled out for the rest of the game.
More information will come regarding Irving's status before the Mavs face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. He is reportedly set to undergo an MRI soon in part of a further evaluation.
There was a social media frenzy created after the BlazersTV broadcast reported Irving had left the arena in a wheelchair well before the Mavs provided an official update about the injury. When asked whether Irving had left Moda Center, coach Jason Kidd shut down the idea that the All-Star guard had left.
"All reporting is not factual, is it? Or should we all believe it? I'm not here to interview you, but I think he hasn't left the building," Kidd said. "He's still here."
Tim Hardaway Jr. described the play involving Irving's injury as "scary," and mentioned the team's embrace of a next man up mentality in order to continue executing to win.
"That was scary," Mavs wing Tim Hardaway Jr. said of Irving's injury. "Yeah, man. It's tough, but we got to have his back next mentality. That's what he would want. And I'm glad we came out with the victory."
Dallas Mavericks superstar Kyrie Irving against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
While Irving didn't return to the sideline for the second half of the game, he waited for the team in the locker room and was described by Hardaway as being in "great spirits."
"He was right there waiting for us at the door when we came in," Hardaway said. "He was good. Great spirits. Just happy that he's okay."
The extent of Irving's injury remains to be seen, but more information will likely be available over the weekend before the Mavs return to action. Stay tuned to DallasBasketball.com for the latest updates.
