What happened to Kyrie Irving? Latest injury update as Mavericks superstar helped to the locker room by Anthony Davis after brutal injury

The Dallas Mavericks' worst fears were realized when Kyrie Irving suffered a painful injury during the team's game against the Sacramento Kings on Monday. The incident occurred with 2:35 left in the first quarter as Irving drove into the paint and attempted a floater.

He landed hard on the court, grimacing in severe pain. The medical staff quickly rushed to his side as Irving lay on the floor, clutching his left leg in agony.

Struggling to put weight on his left leg, Irving was not assisted to the locker room immediately. Instead, Anthony Davis helped him to the free throw line, where Irving knocked down both attempts.

The crowd inside the American Airlines Center erupted in MVP chants as Irving, determined not to leave without taking his free throws, was then helped to the locker room by Davis.

It was later revealed that Kyrie Irving had been diagnosed with a left knee sprain and would be ruled out for the remainder of the game. The superstar point guard's night was cut short after playing just 9:25 minutes.

Before his early exit, the one-time NBA champion contributed seven points, one rebound and one assist. He shot 2 of 4 from the field and a perfect 3 of 3 from the free throw line.

Fans react to Kyrie Irving's injury

Social media exploded after Kyrie Irving suffered a painful injury, delivering yet another major setback for the Dallas Mavericks. Fans shared candid reactions, with many drawing comparisons between his determination and Kobe Bryant's, after the Mavericks point guard chose to shoot free throws before leaving the game.

"Don't need a wheelchair when you a king. Kobe taught him well," a fan commented.

"Incredible behind the scenes video. Feel awful for Kyrie. Major respect to him for shooting those two free throws - similar to how his teammate Klay Thompson and the late great Kobe Bryant did after their season-ending injuries," commented another user.

"Any self respecting Kobe disciple would do the same," a user commented.

"This reminds me of the time Kobe had the injury and before he left the court, he shot and made his free throws. My heart goes out to all the mavs fans for a heartbreaking season," a fan said.

The full extent of Irving's injury will only be determined after he undergoes a medical examination, likely scheduled for Tuesday. Mavericks fans will be hoping the injury isn't too severe, allowing their star point guard to return to action sooner rather than facing an extended absence.