The Dallas Mavericks are now leading the Oklahoma City Thunder because to impressive performances from Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and PJ Washington. Having a 2-1 lead with Game 4 still scheduled at the American Airlines Center is wonderful news for a Mavericks team looking to clinch the series in five games.
However, things will become more difficult for the Mavericks as injuries continue to plague their franchise players. Doncic is allegedly still nursing an ailment that will limit his effectiveness in the team’s next two games against the Thunder.
Doncic understands the importance of being at 100% if they are to defeat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the Thunder in five games. His status will determine whether they finish the series in five games or face another protracted battle against a youthful, hungry club.
Luka Doncic is listed as questionable for the Dallas Mavericks ahead of Game 4
Doncic was labeled as questionable for Game 3 due to a sprained right knee and pain in his left ankle. Nonetheless, he played 40 minutes, helping the Mavericks narrowly defeat the Thunder.
ESPN’s Tim McMahon then reported that Doncic is also labeled as questionable heading into Game 4.
As was the case before Game 3, the Mavs list Luka Doncic as questionable for Game 4 due to his right knee sprain and left ankle soreness.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) May 12, 2024
The Spun’s Andrew Gould wrote on Luka’s comments on his condition after a hard 40 minutes against a springy Thunder team with few injuries:
Doncic had 22 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in a 105-101 win, giving Dallas a 2-1 series lead. When asked what hurt after Game 3, Doncic said “everything.”
“I’m just trying to battle out there,” he told reporters, according to the team’s website. “I’m glad we got the win.”
Doncic is having another successful postseason with the Mavericks. He is averaging 27.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists. His scoring is lower than last season because he shoots at a lesser percentage (41.0/26.4/78.3%).
Mavs supporters understand that Luka Magic will force himself to play if he can walk, and they will need him to secure a 3-1 series lead against Oklahoma City. He’ll most likely agree with Kyrie’s statement about playing in difficult conditions.
They also hope that their star man’s ailments do not worsen in the process.
