Star guard Luka Doncic was forced to leave the Dallas Mavericks game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night due to a left thigh injury, dealing a further blow to their bid for a playoff spot. The Mavericks got off to a good start but were unable to defeat the Pelicans and fell short 113-106.
Before leaving the game after 28 minutes of play, Doncic finished with 15 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds. During the game, he complained that his thigh felt “not good,” and an MRI revealed a strain that had been bothering him for some time.
Although there is no set timeline for Doncic’s comeback and it is unclear what exactly caused the injury, he will return as soon as the pain goes away.
What did Coach Jason Kidd have to say about Doncic?
Coach Jason Kidd of the Mavericks stated that Doncic was having trouble getting around the floor due to his ailment, which was also affecting his shooting and defense. The team will surely miss Doncic, especially on offense where he serves as the team’s quarterback. The Mavericks should remain competitive thanks to the trade deadline arrival of Kyrie Irving, but if they want to escape the play-in round and clinch a favorable playoff position, they will need Doncic back on the court.
As they head into the stretch run of the regular season, the Mavericks, who are currently sitting in eighth place in the competitive Western Conference, must win every game. Yet Doncic’s long-term health is more crucial than any one game or playoff seeding. The team must strike a compromise between the drive to win now and the need to safeguard the health of its franchise player with only 15 games left in the season.
Prior to their next matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, the Mavericks will have a few days of respite, but it is uncertain whether Doncic will be ready. The squad will have to rely on its depth for the time being and pray that Doncic’s injury does not turn out to be too serious.
Backcourt Powerhouse: Kyrie Irving’s Impact on the Dallas Mavericks alongside Luka Doncic
Kyrie Irving after joining the Dallas Mavericks and playing alongside Luka Doncic certainly makes for an exciting backcourt duo. Both players are known for their incredible ball-handling skills, shooting ability, and overall offensive prowess.
While it’s difficult to say if they would be the “best” frontcourt duo, given that they would both be playing in the backcourt, they would undoubtedly make for a dynamic and potent offensive force. Doncic is already considered one of the best young players in the league, and adding Irving’s talent and experience to the mix could make for an incredibly effective scoring tandem.
However, it’s important to note that both players also have strong personalities and unique playing styles, which could potentially lead to some conflicts or challenges in terms of team chemistry. Overall, though, the prospect of Doncic and Irving playing together is certainly an exciting one for Mavericks fans and basketball enthusiasts alike.
