Game 3 of the anticipated Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks first-round NBA playoff series saw star guard Luka Doncic leave the matchup with a sprained left ankle.
In preparation to return to the lineup for the pivotal Game 4, the Mavs second-year guard had a ridiculous timeline of identifying the possible injury plus treatments. In the end, Doncic is healthy to play on Sunday against Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and the Clippers.
Luka Doncic's timeline preparing for Game 4 of Mavs-Clippers after spraining ankle late in Game 3. pic.twitter.com/Kvhlu027kI
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) August 23, 2020
Doncic, 21, was X-rayed after Game 3 ended in a Mavs loss on Friday. The next day saw the Slovenian prodigy treated on early in the night before and in the late morning, later working out in both the pool and weight room as the Dallas franchise stays at a Walt Disney World resort in the NBA's campus site.
Lastly, Doncic had an MRI conducted on the left ankle on Saturday evening and had the joint treated for every two hours until 10:30 p.m., per ESPN's broadcast of Game 4, which tipped off Sunday afternoon.
The Mavs will need a possibly hurt Doncic to perform at 110 percent, however, especially after the late scratch to one-time All-Star power forward Kristaps Porzingis in Game 4. Doncic, a first-time All-Star in 2020, is averaging 27.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game in the first round against the Clipper—the former third-overall pick's first NBA postseason foray.
Luckily for Doncic, he has extension postseason experience while playing back in Europe at the continent's highest levels in both Spain and Real Madrid's entry in the EuroLeague.
The Mavs star is a former EuroLeague MVP and champion, so he knows how to handle pressure.
Follow Us
Subscribe