A few days removed from completely annihilating the Phoenix Suns, the Dallas Mavericks looked like a different team to start the Western Conference Finals. Luka Doncic and the rest of the squadĀ looked overmatched against the Golden State Warriors, failing to put up much of a fight in a 112-87 Game 1 loss. Doncic, in particular, wasn't his usual dominant self, scoring just 20 points on 33% shooting from the field.

Well, there might be an explanation for this odd performance from Doncic. Kevin Harlan, who was in the booth for TNT during the Mavs' Game 1 loss, revealed a rumor he's hearing about Luka Doncic being sick. The acclaimed announcer revealed that in a recent podcast appearance, via NBC Sports:

ā€œI hear heā€™s sick today,ā€ Harlan told KNBRā€™s Greg Papa and John Lund on Thursday. ā€œI guess he was up most of the night and ill. Iā€™ve heard it now from two different people, so Iā€™m assuming itā€™s probably true.ā€

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Harlan would go on to note that his sources weren't from the Mavs organization, and that he wasn't sure whether Doncic was sick prior to Game 1. Still, the possibility of the star not being 100% for Game 2 should make fans worried. Doncic is clearly the heart and soul of this team, and not having him would be disastrous against the dangerous Warriors squad.

The Mavs have come back from a 0-2 deficit before in the playoffs. However, if it's possible, they'd rather not attempt that against the resurgent Warriors. They'll need Doncic at full capacity for them to have a chance to even up the series.