MAY 5: An MRI revealed that Kleber suffered a right shoulder AC joint separation, the Mavericks confirmed (via Twitter). His condition will be reevaluated in three weeks.
MAY 4, 2:22pm: Kleber has been diagnosed with a full dislocation of the AC joint in the right shoulder, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). According to Charania, Kleber will be out for a “significant” period of time — perhaps the entire postseason.
MAY 4, 1:08pm: Mavericks big man Maxi Kleber is undergoing an MRI to assess the severity of the right shoulder sprain he sustained in Friday’s Game 6 win over the Clippers, a source tells Tim MacMahon of ESPN (Twitter link).
Kleber suffered the injury early in the second quarter when he drove to the basket to attempt a layup and was fouled by Clippers wing Amir Coffey (video link). Kleber fell to the floor hard, landing on his right shoulder. He stayed in the game to shoot his free throws, making one of two, but then immediately checked out and didn’t return.
As we relayed earlier today, head coach Jason Kidd told reporters after the game that he wasn’t sure if the injury would cause Kleber to miss time or how long he might be sidelined, adding that the team will take a “next man up” approach.
Still, if Kleber is unable to suit up when the Mavericks’ second-round series vs. Oklahoma City tips off, it would be a meaningful loss for Dallas. The German was one of the club’s most-used reserves in the first round, averaging 5.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 19.3 minutes per game off the bench. He’s a solid frontcourt defender who knocked down 10-of-18 three-pointers (55.6%) vs. the Clippers.
Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington would be among the candidates for increased roles if Kleber misses time, with Dwight Powell – who only played garbage-time minutes in round one – moving up the depth chart.
That was a nasty fall.
Do you think it was a dirty play? Not saying it was, but curious about others’ opinions because someone I was watching with thought it was.
He just made a silly play imo. He went to jump way too early and there was a guy in his way. It was unfortunate but Kleber’s fault.
Fast action but also playoffs and guys don’t want to look like they quit. They were down a lot though.
Don’t think intentionally but yeah.
Mavs TD deadline move is the difference. Really helped the team. OKC is a good matchup for them imo. OKC plays D and makes stops. They win.
Not a fan of Kyrie or Luka …….
I’m going to go ahead and say the healthiest team will win the championship this year. Porzingis and Kleber missing are both going to have an impact on each individual series. It is a good thing the Mavs picked up PJ to cover Kleber’s minutes, but the Mavs need every man in the rotation they can get so they are rested enough and can keep up with the young Thunder team.
Couldn’t have made both free throws?