Luka Doncic Sidelined: Mavericks and NBA Take a Major Blow
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has taken a tough blow for the anticipated Christmas Day game, suffering a left calf strain. After a sudden halt in play, the five-time All-Star and reigning NBA scoring champion immediately signaled discomfort and the Mavericks’ coaching staff yanked him out. Doncic has been ruled out for at least a month, with further reevaluation in February, and his absence has fans and analysts passing their own judgment on him and the league, wondering what impact his absence will have on his team.
Mavericks Playoff Hopes In Question
The Mavericks need to have a task problemy if they will not have their franchise cornerstone. And that couldn’t have come at a worse time, as Dallas will now have at least 15 games to play over the next month against a lot of formidable opponents in a final stretch. Now the team will be leaning heavily on Kyrie Irving to take most, if not all, of the offensive load, as well as keep the Mavericks competitive despite the stacked conference.
In Dallas, Doncic has been a force this season at 28.1 points a night, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. But his reoccurring calf problems suggest he may be suffering long term health and effectiveness when he returns. The Mavericks are already without him for a number of games this season due to leg injuries and his history of those sorts of problems doesn’t make things easier to predict.
A league that needs starpower.
Doncic’s injury is yet another blow to the NBA’s efforts to regain audience interest since the ‘bubble’ experiment. Despite stiff competition from other major sports, the league continued to trail viewership in the wake of Christmas Day, and was being challenged by NFL. For there’s basically no star to watch as Doncic is one of the brightest stars in the league, which makes the job of inviting fans to this game all the more difficult.
And without Doncic, Irving and the Mavericks’ supporting cast take center stage. Whether or not Dallas continues to be a serious playoff contender will rest in their ability to maintain momentum in the ultra competitive Western Conference. For the league, it represents a painful reminder of how heavily dependent on star players that it is of a reliance on star players to keep engagement high during critical parts of its season.
Uncertain Road Ahead
Doncic works on recovery and the Mavericks and their fan base await a patchwork of hope and apprehension. Will he be in his peak form again, or will this injury take on a recurring theme through his career? Meanwhile, the NBA attempts to figure out how to stay relevant and interesting with one of its brightest stars off the court.
We’re only a few weeks away from what could be remembered for the Mavericks’ playoff destiny or a relatively even playing field for a grid sick from sports.
