The Dallas Mavericks revealed Wednesday that superstar Luka Dončić suffered a left calf contusion and will be reevaluated in one week.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported Dončić suffered the injury during a recent workout:
Injury issues were a part of Dončić’s story in the 2023-24 season, namely during the team’s appearance in the NBA Finals.
The 25-year-old was given a questionable designation into Game 2 of the NBA Finals due to a thoracic contusion—and reportedly needed a “pain-killing injection before Game 2 to numb the area,” per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Malika Andrews—but was able to suit up, notching a 32-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double in the 105-98 loss.
He had a probable designation heading into Game 3 and was able to finish out the series, which the Celtics ultimately won in five games. Dončić was fantastic, however, averaging 29.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists in the five games.
He was largely healthy last season, appearing in 70 total games while nearly averaging a triple-double for the year (33.9 PPG, 9.8 APG, 9.2 RPG). There’s little question that Dončić has fully emerged as one of the truly elite talents in the sport.
It’s just as promising that his partnership with Kyrie Irving has taken off, giving Dallas hope of claiming its first title since Dirk Nowitzki shocked the super team Miami Heat back in the 2010-11 season.
That means the Mavericks are a far less dangerous team anytime Dončić is sidelined. If this current injury costs him time, look for players like Spencer Dinwiddie, Dante Exum and Jaden Hardy to see a bump in playing time.
