Mavericks Rule Out Luka Dončić for Second Half Against Timberwolves After Calf Strain
The Dallas Mavericks played the second half of their Christmas Day matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves without Luka Dončić. He suffered a left calf strain late in the second quarter, ending his night early.
Dončić suffered a non-contact injury after trying to explode to reach the rim. He immediately felt discomfort after planting his left foot. His performance ended after he recorded 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 16 minutes.
The Slovenian superstar has been affected by injuries throughout the season. He recently returned from a two-game absence caused by a left heel contusion. He was sidelined for five games with a right wrist sprain and missed one with a right knee contusion.
The severity of Dončić’s injury remains unclear as the Mavericks begin a four-game road trip on Friday. Kyrie Irving recently expressed that the Mavericks’ success should make it to where Dončić shouldn’t feel compelled to rush back from injuries too soon. The team has gone 6-2 when playing a full game without Dončić but has only lost once when Irving is also in the lineup.
“If the team isn’t doing well when you’re out, you rush back, even if injured,” Irving said after Monday’s game. “That’s part of the business we don’t discuss. I appreciate the staff and Luka staying involved.”
The first half of this stretch involves a back-to-back with a stop against the Phoenix Suns, followed by facing the Portland Trail Blazers.
