Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is set to miss upcoming games due to a bulging disc in his back, hindering the team’s offensive capabilities in the near term.
Mavericks’ head coach Jason Kidd confirmed Irving’s condition before the team’s match against the Memphis Grizzlies, noting the lack of a specific timeline for his recovery. “He’s out, so there’s nothing I can speculate or comment on,” Kidd stated, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Irving’s return. The team faces immediate challenges in compensating for lost firepower as Irving averages 25.6 points per game and has been shooting nearly 50% from the field.
Additionally, the Mavericks are grappling with the absence of their leading scorer, Luka Doncic, who is sidelined with a left calf strain. Doncic, who is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, was also absent from the lineup for his sixth game recently. This duo’s scoring prowess amounts to 52.4 points, leaving a significant gap in Dallas’s offense.
Kidd highlighted the need for a “next-man-up” approach, indicating that filling the void left by Irving and Doncic requires a team effort. “It’s important for everyone in uniform,” Kidd remarked, stressing the collective responsibility of the team.
The Mavericks, positioned third in the Southwest Division with a 20-15 record, are currently trailing the Houston team by three games. As they adjust to the absence of Irving and Doncic, the focus will be on leveraging all available resources to sustain their competitive edge.
The injury setbacks of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic present immediate hurdles for the Dallas Mavericks. However, with a strategic team effort, they aim to navigate this challenging period successfully.
Source: Local10
