The Dallas Mavericks have dealt with the injury bug all season long. This was especially evident when Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending ACL injury earlier this month. At the time, many speculated that Irving’s injury was due to fatigue and an increased workload. This was because of the Luka Doncic trade and the injuries to other key Mavericks players, such as Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively. However, Irving recently spoke about his injury and provided some clarity (YouTube link). Irving made it clear that he did not believe his injury was caused by fatigue.
“So I feel like this ties hand in hand because even after I got injured, certain media members were coming out trying to blame J-Kidd, or blame the Dallas Mavericks. You know, and all this other stuff—they were trying to blame people. Because I was playing a lot of minutes. I’m telling you right now: if you ask 95% of the league—there’s another 5% that don’t really care when they play—but you ask 95% of the league if they’d rather play 15 minutes or 35 minutes a night? I guarantee you, 95% of them would say 35 minutes,” Irving said.
“I led the league in minutes. So f*** what? So the f*** what? Like, you guys are blaming other people—so the f*** what? It doesn’t bother me. I play professional sports. My job is to be conditioned at a very high level. I had to step on Valanciunas’s foot for me to be off-balance and get injured…didn’t get injured from fatigue…I didn’t have a fatigue injury. I take great care of my body. You know what I mean?”
Dallas Mavericks Star Kyrie Irving Gets Real About Brutal Injury
Mavericks Receive Some Positive Injury News
Recently, NBA insider Tim MacMahon provided a major injury update on Davis. Davis suffered an adductor injury during his Mavericks debut and has not returned to the floor. However, according to MacMahon, Davis’ return may be imminent.
“Now, my understanding is AD is ramping up and nearing his return. He’s going to play four-on-four, five-on-five this week, and he could be back as soon as the last week of March. And they’re going to need him. Here’s the thing—some people have asked, ‘Why take the risk?’ But he wants to play. He wants to be out there. Derek Lively II is also ramping up. I don’t think he’s quite as close, but it’s a similar conversation. He wants to play,” MacMahon said.
Ahead of their game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, the Mavericks upgraded Davis to questionable. As it stands, it is not clear if he will make his return yet. However, it is still good news for the Mavericks regardless.
With just a couple of weeks left in the season, the Mavericks are in a tough spot. They are 34-37 and own the No. 11 seed in the West. In order to make a late push, Davis’ presence is crucial. Fortunately for them, his return may happen sooner rather than later.
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