Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber is out indefinitely with a completely dislocated AC joint. By Shams Charania of The Athletic. Charania reported that Kleber is “out for a significant amount of time, if not the entire postseason.” That's not the news Mavs fans want to hear after their series win against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kleber injured his shoulder trying to drive to the basket in the second quarter. From a considerable distance, Kleber attempted to empty-handed past the Clippers' Amir Coffey, who attempted to charge or foul. Kleber's momentum turned the foul from a simple block call into a tough fall for the Mavericks forward. The fact that he landed on his right shoulder and immediately felt severe pain was obvious to everyone.
Always a stalwart basketball defender, Kleber hit the two free throws he was given before heading to the locker room. He never returned to the game.
The Mavericks will be without Kleber in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He brings versatility in the frontcourt, which will definitely be needed against a Thunder team that doesn't have a traditional big team. Dallas needs to start Derek Lively II and Daniel Gafford. Both have played well this season, especially in the first round against the Clippers, but the playoff series is often a matchup, with Kleber able to hold his own in the paint while also defending on the perimeter. It's great to have such big players.
The unfortunate truth is that the path to an NBA championship depends on health, and the Mavericks are hurting in that regard. I hope the coaching staff can pull the necessary strings to overcome Kleber's injury.
