DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks may be without Luka Doncic for Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday afternoon due to a right knee sprain and lingering soreness in his left ankle.
Doncic is doubtful for Game 3 after injuring his ankle in a collision with Cayson Wallace in Thursday's 119-110 win. Despite his injury, Doncic had an impressive performance with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.
“It's just mental. I think today was one of the hardest games I've had to play,” Doncic said. “I'm fighting there. I'm trying my best to help the team win, but it's just my mentality. If I get off to a great start, the team will follow me. They will follow me and Kai. , we must do so.” ”
Doncic hasn't shot anywhere close to the 38.2% he did from the perimeter in the regular season as he has worked through his injuries, but he has shot 26.5% from deep in the postseason. He emphasized the importance of focusing on balance and effectively shooting 5-8 from deep in Game 2, building on his 11-21 shooting from the floor. Despite his frequent offense, he only hit two free throws and was held to one turnover, the fewest of any performance in the playoffs this season. .
“I just tried to focus on my balance,” Doncic said. “Right now it's a little tough. Stepping back, shooting, coming down with both feet, just focusing on balance…”
The Mavericks remain without Maxi Kleber, who has been ruled out of the series due to a torn AC joint in his right shoulder. Doncic's potential absence would be a huge blow considering the team went 4-8 in the regular season without Doncic, including a 135-86 loss to the Thunder on April 14. right. But he rarely misses postseason games.
Meanwhile, the Thunder have no reports of injuries heading into Saturday's matchup.
If the Mavericks want to be successful in Game 3, they will have to rely on their depth and find a way to compensate for Doncic's absence. Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at American Airlines Center.
