Dallas Mavs' Kyrie Irving Faces Positive Update in Injury Recovery vs. Denver Nuggets

Mavs superstar Kyrie Irving observed the team's loss against the Nuggets from the sidelines but did so without wearing a walking boot.

DENVER — The Dallas Mavericks fell flat in Monday's 130-104 loss against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Kyrie Irving was the top name on a lengthy list of crucial inactive rotation players for the Mavs as he recovers from a right heel contusion. 

The injury Irving is recovering from occurred in the first quarter of a Dec. 8 road win over the Portland Trail Blazers after Dwight Powell landed on his leg. He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game and returned to Dallas to undergo an MRI while the team traveled to Memphis before facing the Grizzlies. 

Irving, who missed his fifth consecutive game, was not wearing a walking boot while sitting on the Mavs' sideline and had no issue walking around on the sideline. There has yet to be a firm update provided regarding a possible timetable for his return. 

Here is video of Kyrie Irving walking around without a boot on the Mavs sideline. pic.twitter.com/Y8BsP2ZOY1

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) December 19, 2023

While using crutches and wearing a walking book, Irving could not join the Mavs initially on the road against the Grizzlies, then watched the game in a luxury box with general manager Nico Harrison at American Airlines Center in the following games. 

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Irving was back on the sidelines for the Mavs' two-game road trip, providing his insights to the team during the game. Whether he was helping to instruct teammates on defense or using a timeout to help give pointers after a scoring attempt, his presence around the team was felt. 

While it remains to be seen when Irving will return to the lineup, the Mavs have already started a challenging stretch with a loaded week of successful opponents, beginning with the Nuggets, with the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets on the schedule this week.

Irving has averaged 23.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 17 games this season. The Mavs are 10-7 when Irving is in the lineup, 6-3 without him, and 10-6 when both Doncic and Irving play.