Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks wasted a golden opportunity to take a 3-1 lead in their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
Dallas found itself down 23 points at home after the first quarter. Despite a strong comeback attempt, the team lost by the score of 116-111.
The Mavs are now headed back to Southern California for an all-important Game 5 Wednesday evening with the series tied at two. The question now turns to Doncic’s overall health.
The NBA MVP candidate told reporters ahead of the game that he’s been sick for the last week. Doncic expanded by indicating that he likely wouldn’t be playing if this were a mere regular season game.
In addition to this, Doncic is dealing with a knee injury that has impacted him in the series. The update he provided is not great.
“Not good,” Doncic said when asked how his knee feels, via ESPN.com. “Could be way better, but it is what it is.”
Doncic has been dealing with a sprained right knee. Even then, he’s going to give it a go in a game that could decide this first-round series.
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- Luka Doncic stats (2023-24): 33.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 9.8 APG, 49% shooting, 38% 3-point
After what was an absolutely brilliant regular-season run, Doncic continues to play at a high level in the playoffs despite these health issues. He’s averaging 29.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists in the series. Though, Doncic is shooting a mere 39% from the field. That includes a 27% mark from three-point range.
It will certainly be interesting to see how Doncic looks when his Mavs take to the court against Los Angeles Wednesday evening.