Luka Doncic shares the latest update on the thumb injury he suffered in the Mavericks’ 107-88 loss to the Clippers on Saturday.
In the opening minute of the contest, Doncic reached with his left hand in attempt to strip James Harden of the ball on a drive, but Doncic’s hand hit Harden’s knee and his thumb bent back on an awkward angle.
watch Luka’s left thumb pic.twitter.com/rJNlDKq7MJ
— MavsHighlights (@MavsHighlights) November 26, 2023
“I hit his knee, but yeah, I saw the picture [of the play],” Doncic told the media after the game with a wrap on his left hand. “It’s not good to see.”
He went to the sideline afterwards and shortly returned to the court to play the rest of the game, but he certainly wasn’t himself.
Although, the Slovenian superstar still managed to record 30 points, three rebounds, four assists with two steals and two blocks.
“I don’t think it’s broken,” Doncic said. “The X-rays didn’t indicate that it’s broken, but we’ll see further tomorrow in Dallas.”
ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk also reported, “After he played 38 minutes and finished with 30 points, Doncic indicated the X-rays were negative. A source told ESPN that Doncic’s hand is “good.”
The guard praised the Clippers’ physicality which challenged the Mavs offense, a welcome change compared to their matchup on November 10, which the Mavs won by 18 points.
“I think that’s a great difference,” Doncic said. “They were very physical, and that gave them the push. That’s it. I think they play really great defense, so that’s what holds us back a little bit.”
Dallas trailed by 24 points in the third quarter but were able to bring it back in the fourth.
Kyrie Irving was able to contribute strongly on offense, as he scored 26 points and three assists, but as was the same story last year, the rest of the team’s offense was lacking.
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