The Dallas Mavericks had a strong second-half performance against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night to pick up a 111-101 victory. Despite winning the game, the Mavericks could come away feeling as if they lost.
Superstar guard Luka Doncic had his left ankle rolled over late in the fourth quarter of the game. It is something that could be a cause for concern for the Mavericks, as Doncic is their best player. Being without him for an extended period would be a tough thing to overcome.
Doncic injured his ankle after contesting Austin Rivers’s shot. Rivers fell into his leg after the contest. Right now, there is no official word on the extent of the injury, but it was encouraging that he was able to get off the court without assistance being needed, limping to the locker room.
“Luka walked off on his own power,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “I think he got rolled up on his lower left leg, so we’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
Ankle sprains are nothing new for Doncic, who has dealt with them in the past. A sprained ankle cost him 11 games during the 2019-20 season and he battled through another one during their 2020 postseason series.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Mavericks-Knicks Trade Involves Mitchell Robinson
This is bad timing for the injury, as the Mavericks are set to embark on a four-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns and LA Clippers. They are playing two-game sets against each team. The Suns are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, riding a nine-game winning streak. The Clippers just had a seven-game winning streak snapped by the Chicago Bulls in their last game out.
If they have to face off against them without Doncic, it will be a tall task. No single player can replicate what he does on the court, as it will be a total team effort in trying to replace him.
Kristaps Porzingis, who has looked better since returning from an injury of his own, will have more of the responsibility offensively. Jalen Brunson will likely be tasked with taking over the starting point guard role if Doncic is forced to miss time.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Mavericks-Knicks Trade Involves Mitchell Robinson
Dallas is currently 9-4, so they have given themselves some breathing room if Luka Doncic has to miss a game or two. But, if this is an extended absence and he is out weeks, there will certainly be cause for concern among the Dallas Mavericks.
