Report: Luka Doncic's Neck Injury Has 'Improved' Ahead of Mavericks vs. Clippers
May 31, 2021
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Tuesday, April 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
He had previously been diagnosed with a cervical strain, which hasn't forced him out of action in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs.
Doncic continues to be an offensive dynamo in his third season. He averaged 27.7 points, 8.6 assists and 8.0 rebounds. He also shot 47.9 percent from the floor and 35.0 percent from beyond the arc.
The 22-year-old already earned his second All-Star nod and looks destined for another All-NBA accolade.
The Mavs gained control of the series early on, taking the first two games. However, Los Angeles responded with two straight wins, the second of which came by 25 points on Monday. Doncic appeared to be hampered by his injury, going 9-of-24 for 19 points while finishing with six assists and four turnovers after averaging 35 points and nine assists in the first three games.
If Doncic is closer to 100 percent, Dallas could potentially steal Game 5 and take back home-court advantage. A loss Wednesday would put the Mavs on the brink of elimination.
The 2021 NBA playoffs have been a feast for fans of stars, with nearly all of the league’s top players reaching the postseason...
Mavericks' Luka Doncic Discusses Neck Injury, Says He's Dealing with Nerve Issue
May 31, 2021
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic sits on the bench in the fourth quarter in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers in Dallas, Sunday, May 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
If there was any silver lining for the Dallas Mavericks coming out of Sunday's 106-81 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, it was that Luka Doncic told reporters the neck injury he's dealing with felt "way better" on Sunday morning than Saturday morning.
He also plans on playing in Wednesday's Game 5.
Despite the injury concerns, Doncic acknowledged "I played terrible, so we just got to move on to the next one."
“I don’t think that matters right now. … I played terrible, so we just got to move on to the next one.”
"He's in pain," Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. "It appeared to me that he couldn't turn left, couldn't look to his left, and that's difficult for a guy that relies on peripheral vision and basically has played his whole life with his head on a swivel."
Doncic did not look like his typical self in the blowout loss and finished with 19 points, six assists and six rebounds. He was also just 9-of-24 from the field, 1-of-7 from three-point range and 0-of-5 from the free-throw line.
His struggles weren't the only issue for the Mavericks.
Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber and Tim Hardaway Jr. combined for 12 points with Kleber going scoreless. That is three-fifths of the starting lineup, which is a recipe for a loss against almost any team, let alone one that can counter with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Leonard controlled much of the game and tallied 29 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while George added 20 points and nine boards in support.
The road team has won all four games in the series, which is a formula that would work for the Mavericks considering Games 5 and 7 are slated for the Staples Center.
Still, Doncic and the supporting cast will need to be much better than they were in Sunday's contest.
Kawhi Leonard, Clippers Dominate Luka Doncic, Mavericks in Game 4 to Even Series
May 31, 2021
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard dunks in the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers in Dallas, Sunday, May 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Los Angeles Clippers stole home-court advantage back in their Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, although the road team has won every game to this point.
L.A. continued the trend with a 106-81 victory in Sunday's Game 4 at American Airlines Center. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George led the way for the Clippers, who have won two straight after dropping the opening two at Staples Center.
Solid statistical showings from Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis weren't enough for the Mavericks, who are still looking for their first playoff series victory since their 2011 championship.
Kawhi Leonard, Paul George Dominate for Victorious Clippers
The pressure was firmly on the shoulders of Leonard and George heading into Games 3 and 4 in Dallas after the Clippers dropped the first two contests of the series at home.
After all, the Clippers were already under the spotlight for blowing a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets in the second round of last season's playoffs despite championship expectations. That they fell behind 2-0 and appeared to be well on their way to a stunning first-round exit this year made the scrutiny even worse.
After combining for 65 points in Game 3, the two stars immediately set the tone in Sunday's Game 4 as the Clippers jumped out to a commanding lead. Leonard was aggressive from the opening tip and lowered his head on multiple occasions while powering his way to the rim. He also mixed in multiple three-pointers when defenders backed off to prevent those drives.
George quickly found his stroke from deep as well, and they both battled for boards from the wings.
This series may very well come down to the reality that the Clippers have two elite players who can take over at a moment's notice compared to one for the Mavericks. Dallas even had to switch to a zone in the second half in an effort to switch things up and stop Leonard and George from getting whatever they wanted.
Los Angeles still has to make a deep playoff run to escape the ridicule it faced from last year's exit, but winning two in a row in Dallas with its stars controlling play was an excellent start.
Luka's Health, Supporting Cast Struggles Hold Dallas Back
Dallas had more than just the outcome of Sunday's game to worry about on Sunday.
Doncic was questionable coming into the contest because of a cervical strain and appeared to grimace a number of times on the floor when he did play. That didn't stop him from doing what he could to keep the Mavericks within striking distance even when Leonard and George were on fire, although the three-pointers weren't falling.
It was an unfortunate development for Dallas, especially since Porzingis played better after struggling throughout Game 3 on his way to just nine points.
The biggest problem outside of Doncic's injury and poor outside shooting (1-of-7 from three-point range) was the supporting cast besides Porzingis. Tim Hardaway Jr. dealt with foul trouble during a disappointing showing, while Maxi Kleber and Dorian Finney-Smith were invisible on offense for extended stretches.
It reached the point that head coach Rick Carlisle turned to Boban Marjanovic for a spark, and the big man actually provided it for bursts even in defeat.
Ultimately, the Mavericks didn't have anywhere near enough firepower to counter Leonard and George, with Doncic fighting through an injury and three-fifths of its starting lineup struggling for much of the game.
Dallas now has its back against the wall and will need a much better showing across the board to win two of the next three to advance.
What's Next?
The series shifts back to Los Angeles for Wednesday's Game 5.
Report: Mavs' Luka Doncic Set to Play in Game 4 vs. Clippers Despite Neck Injury
May 30, 2021
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic, center, grabs the ball after referee Mark Lindsay (29) called a foul against center Willie Cauley-Stein in the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series again the Los Angeles Clippers in Dallas, Friday, May 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic will play in Sunday's Game 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers despite a neck strain.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Doncic will battle through the injury as the Mavericks attempt to go up 3-1 in the first-round series.
Doncic has almost single-handedly lifted the Mavericks against the heavily favored Clippers, averaging a playoff-high 38.0 points through the first three games of the series. It's unclear if he will be limited by the injury, but the Mavericks' chances of advancing will be drastically reduced if Doncic is any less than 100 percent.
“It’s just weird,” Doncic told reporters of the injury. “I don’t know how you call it. It’s just some massage, some rest, and hopefully we’re good.”
Despite showing obvious signs of pain, Doncic remained effective in scoring 18 second-half points against the Clippers in Game 3. It'll be worth keeping tabs on how his shot looks early in the game and whether he's favoring his neck at all during timeouts.
The Mavericks have gotten next to nothing from Kristaps Porzingis in this series, so the onus will be on Doncic to carry the load whether he's physically capable or not.
Ty Lue Says Clippers Want to Make Luka Doncic a 'Scorer,' Limit Other Mavs Players
May 29, 2021
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) takes a shot as Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) defends in the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Dallas, Friday, May 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Los Angeles Clippers finally got on the board in their playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks with a win in Game 3, despite Luka Doncic dropping 44 points on them.
Head coach Tyronn Lue told reporters on Saturday that part of the Clippers' adjustments after the first two games was to make Doncic "a scorer and try to take the other guys out."
Lue said after Friday's 118-108 win that his team “decided to switch more and try to make (Doncic) play more one-on-one and just try to wear him down.”
Doncic has been a man on a mission in this series. The two-time All-Star is averaging 38.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 9.0 assists against the Clippers. He's shooting 51.9 percent from the field and 45.9 percent from three on 12.3 attempts per game.
The biggest difference from Dallas' two wins and Friday's loss was the performance of Tim Hardaway Jr.
Hardaway averaged 24.5 points on 17-of-27 shooting (11-of-17 from three) in the first two games. The 29-year-old remained effective behind the arc in Game 3, going 4-of-6, but he missed all eight of his two-point attempts and finished with 12 points.
Kristaps Porzingis has been inconsistent so far in the series. The Latvian star had a solid Game 2 with 20 points, four rebounds and three steals in 32 minutes. He tied a season-low with just nine points on 3-of-10 shooting in Game 3.
The Clippers defense did get better as the game went along. After allowing 34 points in the first quarter, they held the Mavericks to under 30 points in each of the final three quarters.
Dallas' 22-point fourth quarter was its lowest-scoring quarter of the playoffs.
Los Angeles' offense was terrific, with four of five starters scoring at least 15 points. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George combined for 65 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists.
The Clippers will look to even the series at two when they play the Mavericks in Game 4 at American Airlines Arena on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Luka Doncic Says He Was Bothered by Neck Injury in Mavs' Game 3 Loss to Clippers
May 29, 2021
DALLAS, TX - MAY 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the LA Clippers during Round 1, Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2021 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic said
he felt pain in his neck that eventually traveled down his left arm
during Game 3 of the team's first-round playoff series against the
Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
"It's just weird," Doncic told
reporters. "I don't know how you call it. It's just some
massage, some rest, and hopefully we're good."
The Clippers secured a 118-108 win that
cut the Mavs' series lead to 2-1.
Doncic was his typically productive
self despite the injury, recording 44 points, nine rebounds and
nine assists in 39 minutes. He knocked down 15 of his 28 shots,
including seven of his 13 threes.
The 22-year-old two-time All-Star dealt
with a variety of ailments—quad, back and elbow—during the
regular season, but this is the first time a neck injury has popped
up.
While it doesn't sound like an issue
that'll threaten his availability for Game 4, it's something he may
have to manage for a while with a minimal number of off days during
the playoffs.
As for the Mavs as a whole, they hit 20
threes and shot 51.3 percent from beyond the arc, but it wasn't
enough to overcome a lackluster defensive performance as the Clippers
made 57.9 percent of their shots in Game 3.
"They had a great night and we did
not," Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle said. "The crowd was great.
They were into it. We've got to get them more into it by finding ways
to get more stops and rebounds."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7m-y9LBRV8
Kawhi Leonard led L.A. with 36 points, and Paul George added 29 as the Clips overcame an early 30-11 deficit
to avoid the dreaded 3-0 series hole.
Their win turns Game 4, scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT, into an ultimate
turning-point contest for both teams.
Kawhi Leonard Propels Clippers to Crucial Game 3 Win over Luka Doncic, Mavs
May 29, 2021
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) positions for a shot as Dallas Mavericks' Tim Hardaway Jr., center, and Luka Doncic (77) defend in the first half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Dallas, Friday, May 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Kawhi Leonard scored 36 points and Paul George added 29 more as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Dallas Mavericks 118-108 in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Friday in American Airlines Center.
Leonard hit 13-of-17 shots, and George drilled 11-of-18 field-goal attempts. The Clippers shot 57.9 percent as a team.
Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic had 44 points on 15-of-28 shooting, nine assists and nine rebounds for the Mavs, who jumped out to leads of 11-0 and 30-11 in the first quarter.
However, the Clippers ended the first quarter on a 20-4 run to cut the Dallas lead to three. Leonard and George eventually combined for 40 points by halftime, when the Clips led 63-61.
The two teams went back-and-forth in the third, but L.A. went on a 15-6 run in the fourth to salt the game away. Marcus Morris Sr. hit a trio of three-pointers during that span.
Dallas now leads L.A. 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Notable Performances
Mavericks PG Luka Doncic: 44 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists
Mavericks G Jalen Brunson: 14 points
Mavericks PF Maxi Kleber: 14 points
Clippers F Kawhi Leonard: 36 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks
Clippers F Paul George: 29 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Clippers G Reggie Jackson: 16 points, 4 assists
Clippers' Supporting Cast Shines Around Kawhi, PG-13
Leonard and George combined for 63 points on 24-of-35, shooting to power the Clippers' offense, but the complementary players outside L.A.'s star duo proved to be the difference.
The Clips outscored the Mavs by 22 with Rajon Rondo (six points, eight assists) off the bench, and his leadership was evident.
Clippers in a tight game with under five left in the fourth and Rondo is controlling the huddle on the floor before Kawhi shoots free throws. That's just something they did not have last year during their epic meltdown -- they didn't have anyone to gather them on floor and direct
Jackson came through with 16 clutch points, including four three-pointers. His final one was the last nail in the Mavs' coffin and put L.A. up 115-102:
George and Leonard deserve the bulk of the credit for pulling L.A. back into the game and giving the team a lead going into halftime, but the rest of the rotation took care of business to prevent the Clippers from facing elimination in Game 4.
Luka Magic Reigns, But Rest of Mavs Largely Struggle
Doncic scored 44 points on 15-of-28 shooting. The rest of the team scored 56 points on 23-of-58 shooting.
That pretty much sums up Dallas' evening.
It was not a good night for much of the Mavs' rotation, with Kristaps Porzingis notably scoring just nine points on 3-of-10 shooting.
The 7'3" big man also had just three rebounds in 34 minutes, continuing a concerning postseason trend:
Facundo Campazzo (who is 5’11") is averaging 1 more rebound per game than Kristaps Porzingis (who is 7’3") in this playoffs. pic.twitter.com/pRouzV9wRe
The Mavs are still up a game in this series, though, thanks largely to Luka Magic. That was on full display Friday, with the superstar showing off early:
It looked as though Dallas could run away with this one after a scorching-hot start that featured Doncic pretty much doing whatever he wanted offensively.
However, the Leonard- and George-led Clippers stormed back, with their teammates also coming through.
Doncic still kept Dallas alive, though, with some ridiculous buckets:
Maxi Kleber and Tim Hardaway Jr. also hit four three-pointers apiece.
But the Mavs as a team simply could not match the Clippers' firepower for four quarters. They also couldn't keep pace with Doncic (plus-three) off the floor (minus-13), leading to their first 2021 playoff loss.
What's Next?
Game 4 will take place on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET in Dallas
Friday's three-game slate for the 2021 NBA playoffs is loaded with intrigue. Who will get a leg up in the evenly matched New York Knicks-Atlanta Hawks series? Can Jayson Tatum ...
Video: Luka Doncic Greets Patrick Mahomes, Dirk Nowitzki After Mavericks' Game 2 Win
May 26, 2021
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates in the closing minutes of a win over the Los Angeles Clippers during Game 2 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Tuesday, May 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka
Doncic was congratulated by Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki and Kansas City
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes after scoring 39 points in the
team's 127-121 Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.
Doncic added seven rebounds, seven
assists, five threes, one steal and one block in 38 minutes of action
as the Mavericks secured a commanding 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.
"The mentality was [to] go out
there and play aggressive and have fun. That's it," the
22-year-old two-time All-Star told reporters.
Clippers small forward Paul George
conceded Doncic is going to have his moments and said his team's focus must be making
sure the Mavs' other players aren't adding their own big games to the
equation.
"We just got to play our game; we
got to play through this," George said. "We got to incorporate
our defense. Luka is going to get his touches. We just got to do a
better job defensively of quieting everyone else."
Doncic, like Mahomes, is one of the
recently emerged faces of the sports world. They are the type of players who
are likely to dominate the headlines throughout the decade.
The 2018 third overall pick averaged
27.7 points, 8.6 assists and 8.0 rebounds during the regular season,
and his play through the first playoff games has the Mavs looking
like a potential sleeper in the loaded Western Conference
with the team's offense clicking on all cylinders.
Dallas returns home for Game 3 with an
opportunity to send the Clippers to the brink of elimination in the best-of-seven series. The contest is scheduled for Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET
on ESPN.
