“Exactly one month removed from the left calf strain Luka Doncic sustained on Christmas Day, I’m told there is optimism in Dallas about Doncic making his return to the Mavericks’ lineup before the All-Star break”. NBA reporter Marc Stein had this to say as part of a highly anticipated update about the Dallas Mavericks star. Just as it seemed that the Dallas Mavericks were getting back in the groove of things, the Slovenian went ahead and sustained a non-contact injury that was later diagnosed as a left calf strain. An initial assessment had stated that the player would miss at least 17 games. Well, 17 games have come and gone, and some hope finally seems to be on the horizon now.
A few hours ago, ‘The Smoking Cuban’ reporter Noah Weber took to X to provide an update on the star player’s health. According to him, Luka Doncic was creating some memorable moments during the recent practice session. The highlight was him reportedly drilling a three over Spencer Dinwiddie just as they walked back to the locker room for halftime. On top of that, Doncic even lightly jogged off the floor. While this update did not come close to providing an official timeline of Doncic’s return, it did indicate that the date is very near.
Luka Doncic just drilled a three over Spencer Dinwiddie as they walked back to the locker room for halftime and lightly jogged off the floor.
Looked to be moving well and was in great spirits.
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) January 28, 2025
The update by Weber falls in line with what Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd highlighted just a few days ago. As his rehab process continued, Luka Doncic was reportedly spotted in practice sessions, shooting standstill jumpers. Highlighting the same, Coach Kidd revealed that the 5x All-Star’s rehab process “looks great. I think he’s trending in the right direction. He’s doing everything he’s supposed to do.”
Such an update was long overdue, given the effect that Doncic’s absence has had on the Mavericks squad. Kyrie Irving and other stars did their best to carry the team during the last 17 games. Nevertheless, the Mavericks went on a 6-11 run, which drastically affected their position on the points chart. Currently holding the 9th seed in the Western Conference, the opportunities for the squad to secure a playoff-qualifying seed is slipping away. Therefore, the fact that Luka Doncic may return soon has created a noticeable wave of relief over the Mavericks and NBA community.
How did social media users react to Luka Doncic’s positive Injury Update?
One individual took to the comments section of Noah Weber’s tweet and wrote, “This is big”.
This is big
— Timmy’s Prayer (@NovioDePoel) January 28, 2025
It most certainly is. After all, the player who averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists before his exit will return! Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Spencer Dinwiddie kept making efforts to fill the scoring gaps left by injured stars. However, it was not the same without the Slovenian’s prowess to bolster the offensive effort. With Doncic’s eventual return, some games may be lost, but the days of struggling on the offensive front might evaporate.
One social media user highlighted his excitement by writing, “don’t run, best team in the west returning soon”.
The Dallas Mavericks had their best run, in over a decade, during the previous season. The squad established a 50-32 record in the regular season. On top of that, the duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving helped the team defeat the Anthony Edwards-led Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. This run came amidst a 13-year hiatus, during which the team only went beyond the playoffs’ first round just once. Though the Mavericks lost in the 2024 NBA Finals, their progress was an indication that the team’s status was rising. In the remaining days, it will be up to the squad to rejuvenate that feeling.
One individual made use of a ‘Ares God of War’ GIF which had the character stating “I demand your presence”. He/she further added to that by writing “We need you’re a-s back @luka7doncic”.
Despite the update, no current change has occurred in Luka Doncic’s injury status. Therefore, he could be ‘OUT’ in the upcoming matchups against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Detroit Pistons. Till then, any further update on the player’s condition may see him improving enough to at least be upgraded from an ‘OUT’ to a ‘Questionable’ stats.
Dec 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Another social media user highlighted his/her excitement by writing “Love to hear it!!”. There are currently 6 players listed as ‘OUT’ on the Dallas Mavericks’ Injury Report. Therefore, if one of them finally receives a positive update, and that one is also the team’s lead scorer, then any Mavericks fan would have ‘loved to hear it’.
Another individual wrote “Need u back already G @luka7doncic get healthy mane!”, accompanied by a few emojis. The Dallas Mavericks still have 38 games remaining in the ongoing season. Therefore, Luka Doncic might be able to return on time to make a suitable dent.
Overall, the majority of reactions highlighted a positive stance towards Luka Doncic and his potential return. With this update, the Mavericks community will be more inclined to keep their ears open about any other news regarding the star player.
The post “This Is Big”: Luka Doncic’s Latest Activity Enthrals Mavs Community After National Reporter Drops Major Injury Update appeared first on EssentiallySports.