The Dallas Mavericks have been cruising during the second half of the season. However, they were dealt a nasty blow in their final game of the regular season. Luka Doncic, the team's ace, suddenly exited the game after coming up hobbled during a live play. You can see the exact moment Doncic injured himself here.
Luka Doncic hobbled off to the Mavs locker room in the 3rd quarter vs. the Spurs.
Doncic grabbed at his knee/calf area on this play.pic.twitter.com/f1TkXgnaRI
â ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 11, 2022
Doncic has subsequently been ruled out of the game completely due to a left calf strain.
Luka DonÄiÄ (left calf strain) will not return to tonightâs game against the San Antonio Spurs.
â Mavs PR (@MavsPR) April 11, 2022
Doncic has been the powerhouse of this Mavs team, as he's carried a larger load on offense this season. He's posting fringe MVP-level averages this season, and would likely be more recognized for the honor if not for the front-runners' insane lead. Losing him prior to their playoff push would be a death sentence for the team.
Article Continues BelowFortunately, there's optimism in the Mavs camp that Luka Doncic's injury as serious as imagined.
Thereâs initial optimism that Dallas star Luka Doncic hasnât suffered a significant injury, source tells ESPN. Team is calling it a strained left calf.
â Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 11, 2022
Doncic was in fact set to miss this season finale of the Mavs against the Spurs after earning his 16th technical foul against the Portland Trail Blazers. However, the league rescinded the technical foul, allowing Doncic to play in this pivotal match. The Mavs are gunning for the second seed in this game, hence why they still played their star despite securing a playoff spot already.
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