The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly bracing for Luka Doncic’s extended absence. Doncic, 25, suffered a non-contact injury in the Mavericks’ home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas on Wednesday afternoon. Doncic left the game and didn’t return after receiving a left calf strain diagnosis by the team’s medical staff.
The Mavericks’ two-game winning streak evaporated at the hands of the Timberwolves, who held on for a 105-99 win on the road. Doncic’s injury came at a bad time. Doncic recently returned for two games following a two-game absence due to a left heel contusion. Doncic has a history of left calf injuries, but Mavericks Head Coach Jason had no update on Doncic after the game. So what’s next for the 25-year-old? Read on for the latest.
Luka Doncic’s Latest Injury
Luka Doncic’s latest injury, a left calf strain, shouldn’t come as a surprise, but at the same time should be concerning as the Dallas Mavericks have to figure out a way to stay afloat until Doncic returns. Doncic exited late in the second quarter of Wednesday’s game after running a play on offense when he stopped, passed, and reached with his lower legs. He stayed in his place until the Mavericks could call a timeout. He limped off the court.
The deflated Mavericks found themselves in a 28-point deficit late in the third quarter. Kyrie Irving had a three-point attempt in the final minute of the fourth quarter that would’ve put the Mavericks ahead. However, Irving’s shot was just short, along with Irving and the Mavericks’ late rally. The Mavericks’ bright spot was when Klay Thompson passed Reggie Miller for fifth place in the NBA’s career three-point list in the team’s rally.
Thompson told NBC 5 DFW, “It’s kind of deflating … We have such a deep roster, and that’s why we can withstand this time without him. We obviously are not the same without Luka [Doncic] in the lineup. We are going to do everything we can to go on a run here without him.” Thompson’s statement might sound mundane, but there’s some truth, as Doncic has been called the heart and soul of the Mavericks, thanks to his confidence.
Doncic’s Current Timetable
On Wednesday night, ESPN’s Shams Charania posted on X, formerly Twitter, “The Dallas Mavericks are bracing for star Luka Doncic to miss an extended period of time after sustaining a calf strain, sources tell me and @espn_macmahon. Doncic left the arena on crutches today in Dallas. He is expected to undergo an MRI on Thursday.”
Luka Doncic’s current timetable for a return to the court remains unclear, but further information will likely be released in the coming days. Doncic’s injury is arguably nothing new, given his injury history. However, Charania’s five-word description of “an extended period of time” resembled the initial description of Dante Exum’s diagnosis and prognosis after suffering a right wrist injury and undergoing right wrist surgery.
Dallas Mavericks’ Next Steps
The Dallas Mavericks are 6-3 without Luka Doncic in the starting lineup, as of December 25, 2024. The Mavericks previously entered the home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 6-2. Either way, eight or nine games without Doncic are small sample sizes as the Mavericks might struggle to be an NBA team at or over .500 if Doncic’s absence turns out to be at least one month.
The Mavericks will take on the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Arena in downtown Phoenix on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Mountain. The Mavericks’ two-game winning streak was snapped by the Timberwolves, while the Suns snapped their three-game losing skid with a 110-100 win over the Denver Nuggets with both situations occurring on Christmas Day. The Mavericks can only hope Doncic takes his time and returns when he’s ready.
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