Luka Dončić suffered a left calf injury on NBA Christmas Day, forcing him to leave the game. This month-long absence poses a significant challenge for both the Slovenian star and his franchise, the Dallas Mavericks.
A Bitter Christmas for the Mavericks
On Wednesday night, the Dallas Mavericks faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second game of the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule. Not only did the Texas team fall 99-105, despite a late comeback attempt, but they also lost Luka Dončić for an extended period.
In the third quarter, Dončić sat on the bench complaining of calf pain. Shortly after, journalist Shams Charania reported that the player would miss several weeks of action.
Diagnosis and Recovery Timeline
An MRI confirmed a strain in Dončić’s left calf, an area that has already been problematic due to past injuries. The estimated absence is at least a month, after which the player will be reevaluated to monitor his recovery progress.
Implications for Dončić and the Mavericks
For Luka Dončić, this setback significantly impacts his season. With eight games already missed, his chances of winning the MVP award or being selected for an All-NBA Team are dwindling, as players must participate in at least 65 games to qualify. His presence at the All-Star Game also seems unlikely.
For the Dallas Mavericks, who started the season strong with a 19-11 record (fourth in the Western Conference), the road ahead looks challenging. The team will have to persevere without its leader to maintain a spot in the top six of the conference. However, hope remains: the Mavericks boast an impressive 6-2 record this season in games played without their former Real Madrid standout.