DALLAS, TX -DECEMBER 25 : Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks leaves the court docket towards the Minnesota Timberwolves within the first half at American Airways Heart on December 25, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: Person expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, Person is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Photographs License Settlement. Ron Jenkins/Getty Photographs/AFP (Photograph by Ron Jenkins / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Photographs by way of AFP)
DALLAS — Whereas the Dallas Mavericks wait to see how lengthy they’ll be with out Luka Doncic due to his newest left calf damage, they’ve one other instance of the right way to keep afloat till the celebrity’s return.
Doncic exited late within the second quarter of a 105-99 Christmas Day loss to Minnesota on Wednesday, and the deflated Mavs discovered themselves down 28 factors late within the third.
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But, Kyrie Irving had a 3-point try within the ultimate minute that might have put Dallas in entrance. His shot was quick, as was the rally.
READ: NBA: Edwards, Wolves maintain on to beat Mavs after Doncic damage
“It’s sort of deflating,” mentioned Klay Thompson, who handed Reggie Miller for fifth on the profession 3-point checklist through the spirited Dallas rally. “We now have such a deep roster, and that’s why we will stand up to this time with out him. We clearly will not be the identical with out Luka within the lineup. We’re going to do the whole lot we will to go on a run right here with out him.”
Dallas coach Jason Kidd had no replace on Doncic after the sport.
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The five-time All-Star was operating a play on offense when he stopped, handed and reached towards his decrease legs. Doncic stayed the place he was till the Mavs may name timeout. He limped off with 2:31 remaining within the first half.
It was the second sport again for Doncic after he missed two video games with a left heel contusion. The 25-year-old has a historical past of points together with his left calf, lacking all or a lot of the previous two preseasons whereas beforehand sitting the primary three video games of the 2022 playoffs.
Doncic, who scored 14 factors in 16 minutes towards the Wolves and is averaging 28.1 factors, 8.3 rebounds and seven.8 assists per sport, missed 5 video games this season with a proper wrist sprain. He has missed eight general, however Dallas is 6-2 with out him.
Now the Mavs have managed an enormous rally with out him, even when it wasn’t sufficient for the victory.
READ: NBA: Luka Doncic out for Mavericks with proper wrist sprain
“I feel this can be a group that may win,” Kidd mentioned. “They consider that. They usually’ve proven that. The document speaks for itself. However we additionally want him. He’s simply been hit with some accidents right here of late. Hopefully this one isn’t that critical. However we do want him if we need to win a championship.”
Irving scored 39 factors within the loss to the Timberwolves, whereas Thompson completed with 12 on 4-of-10 capturing from 3. Thompson now has 2,562 profession 3-pointers to Miller’s 2,560.
Irving is averaging 24 factors with out Doncic. Each missed a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers final week.
Spencer Dinwiddie, who returned to the Mavs this offseason and has been an necessary possibility with Doncic sidelined, missed all seven of his photographs towards the Wolves and completed with two factors.
It’s possible time for Dallas to discover a rhythm once more among the many supporting solid for not less than a number of video games with out the franchise participant.
“Simply taking part in selfless basketball,” mentioned Thompson, who’s in his first season with the Mavs after profitable 4 championships with Stephen Curry and Draymond Inexperienced in Golden State.
“Notice Kyrie’s going to take us dwelling, he’s our nearer. However for everyone else on the staff, it’s nearly getting in good rhythm and trusting each other and taking part in exhausting, particularly defensively. He’s clearly our greatest participant, however we’ve bought to be examined, and this can be a good take a look at forward.”
