DALLAS — Injuries have unfortunately been far too common for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024-25 season. The good news on Friday is that Kyrie Irving returned from injury, but bad news did not wait long to follow.
Mavs guard Jaden Hardy collided with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe during the second quarter of the Thunder-Mavericks game on Friday night. Hardy was clearly in pain, but he was able to limp off the floor. After briefly sitting on the bench, Hardy exited the game and went to the locker room, and it was later revealed that he will not return to the game due to a right ankle sprain.
UPDATE: Dwight Powell later exited the game in the third quarter after suffering a right hip injury.
The Mavericks are obviously hopeful that these injuries are not too serious. The team will provide further updates as they are made available.
Jaden Hardy exits Thunder-Mavericks game with injury
Hardy dealt with injury trouble earlier in the season. He returned and has played fairly well in recent action, stepping up amid Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving's injuries.
The Mavs believe in Hardy's potential. In the 2024-25 season, the 22-year-old guard has averaged 8.4 points per game while shooting 42.9 percent field goal and 39.8 percent three-point shooting. Hardy has also recorded 1.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per outing.
Hardy is confident as well. He has been limited to 33 games played this season, however. The hope right now, as mentioned, is that Hardy will not have to miss a significant amount of time with his ankle injury.
The Mavericks will try to defeat the Thunder on Friday night despite Hardy's injury absence. Dallas leads Oklahoma City as of this story's writing, but the game is far from over.
We will continue to monitor and provide updates on the Mavericks' injury situation as they are made available.