Dinwiddie, Brunson Ready To Step Up If Doncic Can’t Play

Dallas Mavericks, NBA News, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jalen Brunson
NBA Analysis Network

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic sustained a calf injury in the team’s final game of the NBA regular season on Sunday. The team has not yet announced a timetable for return.

Losing Doncic would be a tough break for Dallas, who finished fourth in the Western Conference this year. Coach Jason Kidd expressed optimism in the team’s supporting cast despite the injury to their star.

“If we had to play without Luka, with Spencer being able to come in and fill that void, we’re not asking him to be Luka,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said of guard Spencer Dinwiddie. “But we’re asking him to be himself.”

The first-year Mavericks coach continued, saying “We feel confident if he has to start, that’s what we’ll do. But no matter who we roll out there to start or who’s going to play in that game, we’ll be ready and prepared, and it’s about executing.”

LATEST NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS INFO: Luka Doncic’s Status For Mavericks-Jazz Series Remains Unclear

Dinwiddie himself expressed similar optimism, citing previous games Doncic missed during the season. “The couple of games that (Doncic) hasn’t played and I’ve been in there, my usage goes way up,” Dinwiddie said. “I just try to continue to make plays and be aggressive.”

The recently acquired Mavericks guard also expressed confidence in his teammates. “Obviously, everybody gets more possessions, of course. I’ll probably approach it similarly to when (Doncic) wasn’t playing before. I know my usage will be up like I said, but it’s a team effort. I don’t expect to shoulder the load completely.”

LATEST NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS INFO: Luka Doncic’s Status For Mavericks-Jazz Series Remains Unclear

One such teammate, Jalen Brunson, commented on the mentality of the team heading into the postseason. “I think it’s a next man’s up mentality,” Brunson said. “A player like Luka – he’s a generational talent, a top-five player in the league, he does everything he wants on the court.”

The Dallas Mavericks will play Game 1 vs. the Utah Jazz on Saturday at 1 PM ET, the earliest time slot of all first-round games.

Edwards’ 44 Points Lead Timberwolves To 113-111 Win Over Pacers

Anthony Edwards shines with 44 points, including a game-winning block, as the Minnesota Timberwolves edge out the Indiana Pacers 113-111 during Thursday’s NBA action. Edwards

Bulls Defeat Warriors 125-122 Amid Stephen Curry’s Ankle Injury

DeMar DeRozan‘s heroics led the Chicago Bulls to a thrilling 125-122 victory over the Golden State Warriors during Thursday’s NBA action. With a three-point play

Rockets’ Alperen Sengun Makes NBA History vs. Clippers

The NBA is in good hands when it comes to the center position. There are some very talented players in the league playing in the