Dallas Mavs' Luka Doncic Injures Thumb vs. LA Clippers, Will Undergo Further Examination
LOS ANGELES — Early in the Dallas Mavericks' 107-88 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, Luka Doncic injured his thumb when defending a drive, hitting his thumb on James Harden's knee. He went to the locker room after subbing out before returning and playing the rest of the game.
"I hit his knee, but yeah, I saw the picture [of the play]," Doncic said. "It's not good to see."
Doncic said he didn't believe his thumb was broken. However, he underwent X-rays at halftime, and he mentioned the results initially suggested that it was broken, but further examination will occur in Dallas.
"I don't think it's broken," Doncic said. "So, we'll see further tomorrow in Dallas."
Despite playing through a thumb injury, Doncic finished with 30 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in 38 minutes. He credited the Clippers' physicality for the challenges the Mavs' offense encountered.
"I think that's a great difference," Doncic said of the Clippers compared to their recent matchup. "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 Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Mavs trailed by as many as 24 points in the third quarter but rallied back to cut the deficit to 13 points early in the fourth quarter. Kyrie Irving provided a major boost, scoring 26 points and dishing out three assists, but the rest of the team struggled to produce offensively.
After going 1-1 on their two-game road trip in Los Angeles, the Mavs will return to action on Tuesday when they take on the Houston Rockets. It will mark the first part of a three-game homestand at American Airlines Center.
Check back with DallasBasketball.com for more updates regarding Doncic's injury as they come, along with full coverage of the Mavs throughout the season.
