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2017 Warriors vs. 2027 Sixers
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 27: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 27, 2023 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 27: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 27, 2023 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

Report: Mavs' Kyrie Irving Avoided Major Foot Injury; Described as 'Just a Bruise'

Adam WellsDec 9, 2023

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving escaped a major injury after Dwight Powell fell on his right foot during Friday's 125-112 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Irving suffered "just a bruise," according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. However, his status for Monday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies remains unclear.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium offered more details:

Irving, who has dealt with right foot soreness throughout the 2023-24 campaign, exited the second quarter of Friday's game after Powell landed on his foot while leaping for a loose ball after the veteran was fouled while driving to the hoop.

Irving is in his first full season with the Mavs. He was originally acquired midway through the 2022-23 season from the Brooklyn Nets. The eight-time All-Star played well in 20 games after the deal, averaging 27.0 points and 6.0 assists per game.

Dallas signed Irving to a three-year, $120 million contract during the offseason, committing to him as the No. 2 scoring option after Luka Donฤiฤ‡.

After starting the first two games of the season, Irving sat out the Mavericks' Oct. 30 game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to a sprained left foot. He struggled in the previous two games, shooting just 39.0 percent from the field and making two of 12 three-point attempts.

Staying on the court has been an issue for Irving throughout his career. Since the start of the 2017-18 season, he's never played more than 67 games in a single year. He's already missed three games to start the 2023-24 campaign, including a Nov. 15 game against the Washington Wizards due to a foot injury.

The Mavs are off to a promising 13-8 start after fading down the stretch last season. Their ability to stockpile wins early, especially with Irving already banged up, is a good sign for what they can do throughout the entire season.

But the ceiling for this Dallas team will be determined by how well Irving and Donฤiฤ‡ play, and how often that duo plays together.

Josh Green will see increased playing time for head coach Jason Kidd when Irving is sidelined. The 23-year-old started each of the first three games that Irving missed this season.

2017 Warriors vs. 2027 Sixers