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Tim MacMahon, ESPN Staff Writer
The Dallas Mavericks feel fortunate that star guard Kyrie Irving avoided a major injury after teammate Dwight Powell‘s scary fall on Irving’s right foot during Friday’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers, as further testing revealed a bruise but no structural damage, sources told ESPN.
Irving remains in significant pain, sources said. His status for Monday’s road game against the Memphis Grizzlies has yet to be determined.
Irving, who is averaging 23.0 points and 5.2 assists per game this season, has been dealing with soreness in his right foot throughout the season. He has missed four games, including a home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder last week.
The injury occurred after Irving was fouled on a drive to the basket with 3:51 left in the half. As Irving fell to the ground, Powell leaped for the loose ball and took an awkward fall backward, landing on Irving’s foot.
Irving was in obvious pain and stayed on the ground for several minutes as concerned teammates gathered around him. He was able to get to his feet and shoot a pair of free throws, but then checked out of the game and headed for the locker room.
The Mavs ruled out his return a short time later.