The Dallas Mavericks’ franchise player Luka Doncic limped out of Game 3 of their first round series with an ankle injury.
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Luka Doncic was offering help defense on a drive by Kawhi Leonard in the 3rd quarter when their feet got tangled up. The Slovenian’s ankle seemed to twist on impact from the Klaw’s feet.
He went down instantly as Kawhi finished the play off. No foul was called on that play. Kawhi was, however, fouled as he pulled down the offensive rebound from a missed Reggie Jackson 3-pointer.
Doncic was ushered away from the court after Leonard converted the first of his 2 free throws. He went straight to the locker room area, probably to get his foot taped up and ready. The play occurred at the 3:58 mark of the 3rd quarter.
Luka Doncic ankle injury
Doncic’s injury was identified as a left ankle sprain. The 21-year-old came back courtside with some time remaining in the 3rd quarter, but did not take the court. He was left out on the bench as a precautionary measure by the Mavericks’ head coach Rick Carlisle. He headed back to the locker room with 9:00 remaining in the 4th quarter.
It is definitely better to have him available and fresh for the remaining games of the series. The Clippers lead the Mavericks by double digits, and Luka has shot poorly in this game. Even getting him back in this game has little likelihood of swinging the result in the Mavericks’ favour.
