Sun Mar 09 20:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Mavericks Coach Defends Irving’s Playing Time After ACL Tear

**MILWAUKEE** – Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd vehemently defended Kyrie Irving’s playing time in the wake of the star guard’s season-ending ACL tear, dismissing suggestions that increased minutes contributed to the injury. Irving suffered the injury Monday against the Sacramento Kings.

In the ten games leading up to the injury, Irving averaged a league-high 39.3 minutes per game, a significant increase from his season average. However, Kidd insists this was a “freak accident” and rejects any notion of a causal link between the increased workload and the injury. “We’re talking about one play,” Kidd stated. “It’s a freak accident, that’s how it should be reported. We’re reporting on conspiracy theories.” He added that the team wants its stars to play and that the league shouldn’t be viewed as one where players are constantly rested.

Irving, a nine-time All-Star, had been a key player for the Mavericks this season, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 50 games. Kidd praised Irving’s performance, calling him the team’s leader and noting that he was “playing at a high level; maybe some of the best basketball that he’s played in his career.”

The Mavericks are already facing a significant injury crisis, with Anthony Davis (groin), Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Kai Jones all sidelined. The team’s depleted roster, down to just eight healthy players against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday night, resulted in a 137-107 loss. Irving’s injury further exacerbates the team’s challenges as they head into the final stretch of the season.

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