Playing Saturday for the first time in nearly two weeks, Mavericks guard Luka Doncic showed no ill effects from his strained left calf, writes Tim MacMahon of ESPN. Doncic logged 34 minutes, resting halfway through the first and third quarters. He posted 30 points, 10 rebounds and four assists and hit a late three-pointer to give Dallas a four-point lead before the Jazz rallied to win.
“I’m just excited to be back,” Doncic said. “I had fun out there, just having fun playing basketball. What could be better than in the playoffs? The playoffs are the most exciting, so I’m just glad to be back.”
Doncic admitted feeling winded during stretches of the game — MacMahon notes that Utah targeted him defensively, especially in the first half. However, Doncic said the calf didn’t slow him down.
“At the beginning, I was just thinking about it a little bit,” he said. “I think in the middle of the game I kind of forgot about it.”
There are more injury-related items to pass along:
- There was also good news for the Celtics tonight as center Robert Williams returned for the first time since a meniscus tear on March 27. Williams played 16 minutes and said his knee didn’t hurt after the game (video link from Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe).
- There’s “cautious optimism” from people close to Heat guard Kyle Lowry that the left hamstring injury he suffered Friday isn’t serious, according to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. Lowry didn’t practice with the team today, tweets Dave McMenamin of ESPN, and was walking “gingerly.” A source close to Lowry tells McMenamin that the injury is day to day, but Lowry said he is monitoring it “hourly.” Miami’s injury report lists him as questionable for Game 4, which will take place Sunday night. Gabe Vincent or Tyler Herro would likely start at point guard if Lowry isn’t available, Chang states.
- The Hawks have upgraded center Clint Capela to questionable for Sunday’s game, per Sarah K. Spencer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, who adds that his status may be a game-time decision. Capela hasn’t played since suffering a hyperextended right knee in an April 15 play-in game.
If Powell makes his FTs the Mavs are up 3-1. Tough loss today.
Coulda shoulda woulda. Great win today.
If Luka has any type of defensive awareness & rotates even slightly on that final play then he either fouls Rudy or breaks up the alley. Ofc nobody will ever mention this bc Luka is above reproach as far as media/most fans are concerned
Thought mavs had it won when Luka hit 3. Crazy playoffs. KD looks tired, long season, he needed help. Nets need to get BEN assimilated for next yr in off season…
KD is a major disappointment. That’s what happens when you try to be a gm and a head coach, and surrround yourself with all your friends and “yes” men. No accountability in brooklyn. Total failure.
Any friends besides Irving?— and that one has been tested.
Never heard Durant accused of managerial power abuse, just legal free agency usage.
Simmons would have been quite useful in breaking up the Boston phalanx, but then, with the same problem of assimilation that is hurting the Nets.
Lowry is a tough loss. I can’t see Heat getting to Finals without him.