Johnny Asknis/ info@eurohoops.net
Although the Dallas Mavericks have a fresh start, there are only 32 games left in the 2023-24 regular season.
Kyrie Irving, recovering from a sprained right thumb, returned to action on Monday with Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic. Missing the last six games of the NBA campaign has made it even more rare for the two top players to play together. With teams including the Mavs vying for a spot in the 2024 playoffs, the path forward seems clear.
“Right now we're all healthy, or almost everyone is healthy, so we're just trying to find our positions, find our rhythm and play well as a team.” German Maxi Kleber said this after scoring 14 points, five assists, four rebounds and one block against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center.
Kleber, 32, dislocated the little toe on his right foot at the start of the season and was limited to 14 games in his seventh season with Dallas. His sporadic appearances on injured reserve prove he is not yet fully recovered. Additionally, Doncic has been dealing with soreness in his right ankle in recent weeks.
“We had to figure out where to be and where to space out to give them space to play.” Kleber added about manager Jason Kidd's plans for the team, which focus on Doncic and Irving.
Australia's Dante Exum was unable to return to action due to bursitis in his right knee and remains on the sidelines. Additionally, Derek Lively II suffered a broken nose and will undergo surgery.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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