What Happened to Luka Doncic? Another Injury Scare Piles Up on Top of Knee Trouble for Mavs Star

A concerning moment appeared in the fourth quarter early in the game 2 at the Paycom Center. While bringing the ball up, OKC’s rookie Casson Wallace bumped into Luka Doncic‘s right knee. The Dallas Mavericks superstar immediately grimaced in pain and held his right ankle. It was a dreading sight for Dallas hoping to equal the series on the road.

However, worries depleted only moments later. Typically so, Doncic used a screen and knocked down a tough step-back three to extend the Mavericks’ lead. He then pleaded with the referees almost as if begging them to call such fouls. So far he has accumulated 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 2.

The injury doesn’t seem to have seriously injured Luka Magic who is wading through the road atmosphere to level the series at 1-1. However, the Shai-Gilgeous Alexander led the Thunder strike at a lightning pace. Doncic will need to shake off his pain and continue his sublime game if the Mavericks are to seal the win.

Luka Doncic is playing through a knee injury

It might not look like it, but Doncic is playing through a left knee injury that keeps worsening. The Slovenian has suffered from a right knee sprain since Game 4 of the series against the Clippers. After their series win, reporters asked Doncic about the state of his injury. He claimed it’s something that won’t get better.

“My knee’s] OK. I don’t think it’s going to get better before I get some rest. That’s a lot of minutes. Maybe the summer,” he told reporters. The 25-year-old basketball genius has still averaged close to 30 points per game in the playoffs. However, his shooting efficiency has dramatically declined.

In the six-game series against the Clippers, Doncic attempted 67 threes. He only made 23.9% of those attempts. Additionally, his field goal percentage dipped to 40.5%. His regular season average stands narrowly below 49%. In those terms, the right knee has disturbed Doncic’s rhythm significantly.

If the Dallas Mavericks do progress deep into the playoffs, the injury would severely worsen. Playing through it carries a major risk. However, that’s the determination Doncic has approached basketball since he played in Spain. No matter how hurt he might be, Doncic finds a way to make an impact on the court.

The playoffs don’t mark the end of Luka Doncic’s workload. Right after the playoffs, Doncic will join the Slovenian national team who are hoping to qualify for the Paris Olympics later in the year.