DALLAS, TX -DECEMBER 25 : Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks leaves the court against the … [+] Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at American Airlines Center on December 25, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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The Dallas Mavericks could be without star Luka Doncic for an extended period of time. Doncic left the American Airlines Center in Dallas on crutches after sustaining a left calf strain during the Mavericks’ 105-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day, according to multiple reports.
Doncic will undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the severity of the injury.
“I’m praying for Luka to just have a speedy recovery,” Kyrie Irving said in his postgame press conference. “You know, however long the timetable is, we’re going to have to adjust. It’s just the nature of the business.
“But, you know, hopefully, he just takes his time, and he comes back when he’s ready. It’s just a crazy play, you know, on a holiday like this man. But yeah, we just got to be mature about it, and everybody be ready to adjust for the lineups.
“You know, although we are six and two, that number doesn’t really matter to me. I’d rather be going into the battle with a healthy team, everybody feeling well, everybody feeling good.
“But again, it’s the nature of the business. [We] just got to adjust and be ready.”
The apparent non-contact injury occurred as Doncic probed the Wolves’ defense with Jaden McDaniels guarding him. Doncic stopped at the elbow, grimacing before passing the ball out to Irving. He limped around the court, unable to make it back for the team’s next defensive possession, before subbing out and heading to the locker room.
Doncic played just over 16 minutes on Wednesday before exiting the game with 2:31 remaining in the second quarter. He had 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. Doncic entered the contest dealing with a left heel contusion.
The Mavericks are 6-2 when Doncic doesn’t play. Dallas is on the road for its next four games. It plays the Phoenix Suns on Friday, followed by contests against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets on New Year’s Day.
