LOS ANGELES — All eyes are on Luka Doncic as the Dallas Mavericks prepare for a crucial Game 5 against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Slovenian superstar is suffering from a problematic right knee sprain, but is expected to be on court despite the injury.
Doncic was injured during the first quarter of Game 3, which clearly limited his movement and effectiveness. Despite this, he remains committed to leading the team. He has been playing with a knee wrap since then, and even used a new configuration of performance tape during the open viewing portion of Tuesday's practice.
Mavericks manager Jason Kidd commented on Doncic's resilience, saying, “He looked good in practice and did everything he could,'' hinting at the possibility of Doncic returning for the crucial game.
April 28, 2024. Dallas, Texas, USA.Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball as L.A.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The series is currently deadlocked at 2 wins and 2 losses, with both teams suffering from serious injuries. Tim Hardaway Jr., a key player for Dallas, is doubtful for Game 5 due to a sprained ankle. Meanwhile, the Clippers will be without Kawhi Leonard, who is still battling knee issues, highlighting the physical demands of the series.
Despite these challenges, Doncic is still averaging an impressive 29.9 points, 9.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game. However, his shooting efficiency has declined, hitting just 38.6 percent from the field and 26.5 percent from 3-point range.
The Clippers' defensive scheme, developed throughout the series, is focused on preventing Doncic from attacking the rim by taking advantage of Dallas' expanded use of non-shooting centers and rotation of weak perimeter shooting wings. Given the shooting results, it has become even more difficult for him to overcome inconsistent jumps.
Doncic acknowledged the need to improve, saying, “I'm trying to play a lot of minutes and I'm trying to play hard. But sometimes you're not in a perfect situation, so you have to work through it.” Stated. Please play better. ”
The Mavericks' sense of perseverance was especially evident after a heartbreaking Game 4 in which they came back from a 31-point deficit but fell short. Doncic reflected on the loss and spoke of his determination to support his teammates more effectively.
“I had to help him more. I feel like I'm letting him down,” Doncic said. he is giving everything he has. He was great for us throughout the series. ”
Kidd was quick to provide reassurance, emphasizing that Doncic's effort matters regardless of the outcome. This message expresses the continued belief that Doncic, at some point, will somehow find a rhythm that exhibits the typical transcendental influence the team has relied on.
“He's not letting anyone down. He's playing,” Kidd said. “Sometimes you make some shots, you miss some shots. It's just part of basketball.”
Kyrie Irving, who averaged 25.6 points, 5.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds in the series, spoke about the team's spirit and Doncic's role, noting the far-reaching effects of the injury. Additionally, Irving emphasized the pressure Doncic is dealing with in this series, given that Doncic faced the Clippers in the past two postseason games, which resulted in them being eliminated in the first round.
“Everyone's pretty excited. They don't have time to look at each other and ask if they're OK,” Irving said. “We have to be willing to put our bodies on the line. If he's not fit to play, he's definitely going to miss out. But knowing him, knowing his confidence level, and knowing that he's “I know how well he knows the game.'' Clippers, I know he wants to play well and he wants to have a bigger impact than what he's doing right now. We know he's there — even though he's averaging almost a triple-double in the series. ”
As the Mavericks prepare to take on the Clippers in Los Angeles, their resilience and adaptability are being tested. Even with Leonard out, Paul George and James Harden have proven they are capable of stepping up and leading the team to victory.
“The West is tough,” Kidd pointed out. “Look at Denver. They were in a dogfight with the Lakers. The Lakers were leading at halftime of every game and never came close. It's tough. It's not just about individual players, it's about a good team. There's a lot of that in the Western Conference. ”
For Doncic and the Mavericks, Game 5 is more than just a playoff game. It tests your ability to overcome adversity and seize opportunities.
“I think we'll see a high-level chess match in Game 5 in LA,” Irving predicted. “I'm not thinking about stealing the game. I'm thinking about winning the game and ending the series. That's the focus right now.”
