(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Coming into the Western Conference semifinals, the Dallas Mavericks knew they were going to rely on Luka Doncic a lot.
Sadly, Doncic wasn’t looking like his regular self during Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Now there is great concern about Doncic moving forward and questions about a nagging knee injury that could be more serious than people suspected.
Speaking to Pat McAfee, Brian Windhorst shared his thoughts and concerns about Doncic.
He said that the Mavericks had four days to rest before Game 1 and only had a half-hour flight to Oklahoma City.
With all that time for rest, Doncic should have been looking great but he wasn’t.
“I am worried about Luke Doncic and his knee..
They had four days off before game one and his didn’t look good at all” ~ @WindhorstESPN#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/HiRh74cCoY
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 9, 2024
Doncic’s knee injury is preventing him from performing his trademark step-back shot.
It has also really impaired his ability to elevate and shoot three-pointers.
In a number of ways, it is preventing him from playing as the star he usually is.
During Game 1, Doncic was just 6-of-19 from the field and 1-of-8 from beyond the three-point line, scoring just 19 points.
For the first time in a long time, Doncic wasn’t an asset for his team.
The Mavericks need Doncic in his best shape, especially against the Thunder, who are supremely fast and non-stop for all 48 minutes.
If Doncic can’t keep up or shoot because of an injured knee, the Mavericks won’t have much of a chance.
Game 2 will be held on Thursday night and everyone will be paying close attention to Doncic to see how he moves and scores.
If he is still clearly hobbled by his knee injury, the Mavericks will have a very difficult time evening the series.
Without Doncic, Dallas’ chances of winning are significantly limited.
The post Brian Windhorst Gives Worrisome Injury Update On Luka Doncic appeared first on The Cold Wire.