DALLAS — Luka Dončić, who led the Dallas Mavericks past the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals last spring, had to exit the teams’ Christmas matchup early.
Late in the second quarter, Dončić limped off the court after suffering what the team said was a left calf strain. He was ruled out for the rest of the afternoon.
Dončić expressed discomfort after trying to create separation against Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels off the dribble. Dončić picked up his dribble near the free-throw line and passed the ball before falling, unable to run back on defense. The Mavericks eventually called timeout, and Dončić had to be helped off the court.
Luka Doncic went back to the locker room after an apparent injury on this play. pic.twitter.com/R8xlcLdeHQ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 25, 2024
Dončić missed two games last week with a left heel contusion. When asked Monday how his left heel was feeling, Dončić indicated it wasn’t 100 percent.
“It’s fine,” Dončić said. “Just trying to get through it. But today, it felt fine. After the first quarter (of Monday’s game), it felt better. Just getting warm. It felt fine. Will get through it.”
The Mavericks have a 6-2 record without Dončić this season. They had won 14 of 17 games coming into their Christmas game against the Timberwolves.
If Dončić is sidelined for an extended stretch, the team’s depth could be tested. The Mavericks leave for a four-game road trip Thursday, which includes stops in Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento and Houston.
Dončić scored 14 points before he left Wednesday’s game at the 2:31 mark of the second quarter.
(Photo: Ron Jenkins / Getty Images)
