When something happens that is beyond your power to change, you have to move on and leave it in the past-just like the Dallas Mavericks tried to do after the still-shocking trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers (38-21), who have now won six straight and are in second place in the West, making the Lakers look like real contenders for the championship. But now things don’t seem to be getting any better for the Mavs – in fact, they might be about to take a drastic turn for the worse. Not only did they suffer their fourth loss in five games, but the worst news for the Mavericks (32-30) wasn’t even the loss itself – it was the loss of Kyrie Irving in the first quarter for the rest of the season due to a sprained left knee.
Irving Prays After Enduring the Pain
Irving left the game in visible pain, helped off the court by his teammates, but not before stepping to the free-throw line and sinking both shots. The scene was eerily similar to Kobe Bryant’s in 2013, when he tore his Achilles tendon but still went to the line before exiting the game. True to his – let’s call it a “ritual” – before shooting his free throws, Irving thanked God with a “Thank you, God.” However, some social media users believe he said “Allah” because in 2021 Irving declared himself an “omnist,” a term that describes someone who embraces and learns from different religions and philosophies. This spiritual openness has been evident in his actions, such as fasting during Ramadan while playing in an NBA game. Judge for yourself what he actually said.
With Irving out for the season, he joins the long list of injuries the Mavericks have suffered in 2025, including Anthony Davis-who could return this weekend-along with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, who are expected back at the end of the season, though by then it may be too late. The Mavs desperately need Davis to return and step up as a leader – a former champion on the court – to at least lead the team into the play-in tournament. Dallas currently sits in 10th place in the West, the last available play-in spot, but they’re only 3.5 games ahead of the Suns. With Irving’s injury, Phoenix could close the gap if the Mavs continue their slump. This could be a lucky break for Kevin Durant and Devin Booker as they try to sneak into the playoffs.
Tight Playoff Race in the NBA
With just over a month left in the regular season before it ends on April 13, and about 20 games remaining for each team, nothing is set in stone except for the No. 1 seeds. In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-11) hold an 11-game lead over the Lakers and are just 10 wins shy of the franchise record of 60 wins. Tho, it will be the record since they arrived in Oklahoma as they won 64 in 1996 when the franchise was in Seattle and lost to Hakeem and the Rockets in the Finals that year. Meanwhile, the second through fifth seeds (Lakers, Nuggets, Grizzlies, Rockets) are separated by only two games, and the sixth through 11th seeds are separated by only five games – meaning every win is crucial.
It’s the same story in the East, where the Cleveland Cavaliers (50-10) are riding a 10-game winning streak and are on pace to surpass LeBron James’ 66-win season in 2009. They also hold a 7.5-game lead over the defending champion Celtics. The top three spots, along with the Knicks, appear to be a lock, but there’s a seven-game cushion from fourth through ninth that should be enough to avoid play-in worries. Meanwhile, mediocrity could reward one of the Bulls, Sixers or Nets with the final play-in spot at 10th. Remember, anything can happen once the playoffs begin – it’s a whole different tournament.
