DALLAS — As the Dallas Mavericks prepare for a crucial Game 4 against the Los Angeles Clippers, all eyes are on Luka Doncic, who is listed as questionable with right knee soreness. . The game is scheduled to be held Sunday at American Airlines Center.
After Saturday's filming and shooting session, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd provided limited details about Doncic's status.
“He was great on film and shooting free throws, so I’m going to stay in my lane and let the guys throw it.” [injury reports] That’s the only way to go,” Kidd said.
April 26, 2024. Dallas, Texas, USA.Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, 77, celebrates during a game.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Uncertainty about Doncic's availability has been heightened after he was briefly taken off the court after colliding with Clippers center Ivica Zubac in Game 2. Despite the setback, he returned quickly and managed to continue playing effectively, although he still showed signs of discomfort.
“It's not good. I felt it before it hit my knee. It's pretty stiff right now, but we'll know more tomorrow,” Doncic said. You know, I'm going to go anyway. ”
Despite the injury, Doncic showed resilience by contributing heavily in the second quarter of the game, nearly achieving a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
“I think the defense dictated the offense,” Doncic said. “I don't think we played great offensively, especially, but we won the game. That's all that matters.”
Kidd downplayed the severity of Doncic's injury when speaking to reporters after Game 3.
“I don't know if he was injured or not. He played 40 games.” [minutes]“I got his minutes tonight,” Kidd said. He knows he's relying on him to do a lot of things on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.”
The Mavericks are counting on Doncic's recovery and availability as Game 4 approaches with an early tip-off at 2:30 p.m. Doncic, known for playing through pain, expressed his strong desire to be in the mix, saying, “You know me, I'm going to try to play.”
The Mavericks are also dealing with additional injuries. Olivier-Maxence Prosper continues to be sidelined with a sprained ankle and is on crutches. Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr., while not requiring a walking boot, is suffering from a similar ankle problem and is doubtful for Game 4.
As the series continues, the Mavericks will rely heavily on Doncic's on-court presence given his role as the top option on offense. He averaged 29.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in this year's playoffs.
As far as the Clippers are concerned, Kawhi Leonard may miss Game 4 due to lingering knee inflammation. He is listed as questionable on Los Angeles' injury report.
