BOSTON – In an unexpected move hours before the game, the Dallas Mavericks officially downgraded Luka Doncic to questionable for Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
The reasons given were “chest contusion, right knee sprain and left ankle pain.” Although Doncic has played with ankle and knee issues for most of the playoffs, the thoracic contusion — a contusion to the chest wall — is new.
It would be shocking if Doncic didn’t play, or at least didn’t try to play, on Sunday, and head coach Jason Kidd will address the issue before the game. Doncic practiced with the team on Saturday, part of it in front of the media, and showed no apparent signs of injury, nor did he say anything to suggest he was feeling more banged up than usual. This isn’t the Mavericks’ playing ability, it’s no secret that Doncic has been playing with knee and ankle issues, but it could be an acknowledgment that the pain is piling up.
It’s bad news for Dallas if Doncic can’t play — the Mavs were 4-8 in games he missed this season and his offensive rating dropped 8.5 points per 100 possessions when he was off the court.
Already down 0-1 to a strong and impressive Celtics team, the Mavericks need a better showing in Game 2, and that has to start with Doncic and Kyrie Irving beating their guys and putting Boston’s defense in rotation. If Doncic isn’t right and can’t do that, things will get much more difficult for Dallas.
