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Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is still dealing with the neck injury that bothered him in Games 3 and 4, but he is progressing well in his bid to return to 100 percent health.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Doncic's neck issue has “improved” already and should only get better with a two-day rest before Game 5 of their first-round playoffs series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic’s neck strain is already being described as “improved” today with two full days off ahead of Wednesday’s Game 5 vs. Clippers, sources tell ESPN. Series is tied 2-2.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 31, 2021
In Game 4–a contest that saw the Mavs get blown out by the Clippers 106-81–Luka Doncic clearly struggled and was not his usual self. He was deemed questionable for the showdown with what the team called a cervical strain, and while he did play, the issue affected him as he grimaced whenever he's passing the ball or attacking the basket.
Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle admitted the difficulties Luka had in their latest outing, noting after Game 4 that the Slovenian could turn left.
“He’s in pain. It appeared to me that he couldn’t turn left, couldn’t look to his left, and that’s difficult for a guy that relies on peripheral vision and basically has played his whole life with his head on a swivel,” the Mavs tactician explained.
In hindsight, it would have been better for the Mavs to let Luka rest in Game 4 to get him fully healthy by Game 5. However, since it's too late for that, Dallas and the fans can only hope that the 22-year-old superstar will truly be at 100 percent when they visit Staples Center once again.
