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Mavericks' Home Game Interrupted by Mishap with 'Kyrie Irving' Robot

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 2:04 GMT by Jerry

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Mavericks Face Unforeseen “Kyrie Irving” Robot Mishap During Home Game

On a Thursday night at the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks’ 2024 home‑court experience took an unexpected turn when a robotic contraption that was meant to emulate superstar guard Kyrie Irving went awry, sparking a game delay, a brief on‑ice scramble and a conversation that went beyond the hardwood.

The Incident in Brief

The incident occurred midway through the fourth quarter of the Mavericks’ 112‑108 victory over the Utah Jazz. A tech‑savvy Mavericks fan had brought an interactive “Kyrie Irving” robot to the arena as part of a promotional partnership with a local robotics company that was testing an AI‑driven player‑simulation platform. The robot, standing at nearly six feet tall, was dressed in a replica of Irving’s “Kyrie 8” shoe, and was programmed to mimic the Brooklyn Nets star’s signature ball‑handling, lay‑ups and three‑point shots.

At 9:04 p.m. Eastern Time, the robot was wheeled onto the court by a volunteer assistant coach to demonstrate its capabilities to the live audience. The demo was interrupted when the robot’s power module failed, causing its legs to lock and the device to tumble onto the court. The fall was sudden, but fortunately no one was injured; the robot’s metallic frame landed on the backboard, and the fans erupted in a mixture of applause and bewildered laughter.

The incident prompted a 12‑minute pause as the arena’s security and the Mavericks’ front‑office staff worked to retrieve the robot and clear the court. The game resumed after a short safety inspection, and the Mavericks went on to finish the game with a win that gave the franchise a boost in its push toward a playoff berth.

Reactions from the Mavericks

In the minutes following the game, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd issued a statement to the press. “We’re thrilled to see technology being integrated into fan experiences, but safety comes first. We’re reviewing the incident to understand what went wrong and how we can improve future collaborations,” Kidd said. He added that the team would work closely with the robotics company to ensure that any future demonstrations are properly vetted.

Mavericks star Luka Dončić was among the players who addressed the situation on social media. In a short tweet, Dončić thanked the fan for the “unique experience” and expressed his hope that the technology “could inspire the next generation of players.” He also joked that the incident was “the closest thing we’ve seen to a player stealing the ball.”

The Mavericks’ general manager, Nico Harrison, called the mishap a “learning experience” and highlighted the organization’s commitment to fan engagement. “We’re always looking for ways to bring something new to the arena. This was a misstep, but it also opened a conversation about how to responsibly incorporate cutting‑edge tech into the game,” Harrison explained.

The Robotics Company’s Perspective

The robot was created by Dallas‑based startup, RoboAthlete, a company that designs autonomous sports training devices. The CEO, Elena Morales, expressed regret over the malfunction. “We’re disappointed that our product didn’t perform as expected during the Mavericks’ game. Our team is conducting a full review of the software and hardware components to prevent future incidents,” Morales told the media. She emphasized that the event was meant to showcase the robot’s potential for player training and fan engagement, not as a competitive tool.

Morales also noted that the incident had garnered unexpected publicity. “The internet loves the idea of a ‘Kyrie Irving robot,’ and while we’re concerned about the short‑term fallout, we see a long‑term opportunity to collaborate with NBA teams on controlled demos,” she said.

Broader Implications for NBA Innovation

The Mavericks’ experience with the “Kyrie Irving” robot is not an isolated event. The NBA has been increasingly open to technology‑driven fan experiences, from augmented reality overlays in the stands to AI‑powered player analytics. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for teams and league officials, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and safety protocols before introducing robotics or AI devices onto the court.

According to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the league will review its guidelines for “interactive technological demonstrations” to ensure that player safety and game integrity remain uncompromised. Silver also underscored the league’s support for innovation, noting that the NBA is “investing in the future of fan engagement.” However, he made clear that “any new technology introduced into the arena must meet strict safety standards.”

Looking Ahead

The Mavericks have already begun work with RoboAthlete to redesign the robot’s power system and to create a “sandbox” environment within the arena where future demos can be conducted without risking player safety or game flow. The team has also partnered with the NBA’s Technology Working Group to develop a certification process for all interactive devices.

In the wake of the incident, fans at the next Mavericks home game were greeted with a new, fully tested “Kyrie Irving” robot, this time safely stationed in the lobby and controlled via a remote‑guided system. While the mishap caused a brief pause, it ultimately sparked a productive dialogue about how technology can enhance the NBA experience—without compromising the core elements of safety and competition.