DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 06: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks rests during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on April 06, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic injured his calf during the team’s regular season finale on Sunday night.
The Dallas Mavericks‘ regular-season finale against the San Antonio Spurs carried serious NBA Playoffs implications. If Dallas were to win and the Golden State Warriors were to lose to the New Orleans Pelicans, they would clinch the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. But, that was pushed to the side based off what happened late in the game.
During the second half, Mavericks star Luka Doncic grabbed at his left calf and called for a timeout. He was then helped to the locker room with team director of player health and safety Casey Smith, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
The play where Doncic was injured can be seen below:
The Mavericks officially ruled Doncic out for the remainder of the game due to a left calf strain.
Luka Doncic injury update: Mavs optimistic calf injury isn’t serious
ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that sources told ESPN that there is “initial optimism” that Doncic’s injury is not significant.
Prior to leaving the game, Doncic scored 19 points while shooting 8-for-18 from the field, recorded nine assists and grabbed eight rebounds in over 28 minutes.
The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 130-120.
Doncic’s status for the playoffs will be worth monitoring ahead of the Apr. 16 start date. If he were to miss time, that could greatly hurt Dallas’ chances of making a run in the playoffs.