Luka Dončić’s injury struggles have continued as he missed back-to-back games against the LA Clippers, marking the eighth game he’s been sidelined due to heel and wrist issues. Despite sitting out these games, the Dallas Mavericks split the mini-series, going 1-1.
Dončić’s absence could affect his eligibility for major NBA awards, as he is at risk of not meeting the minimum 65-game requirement. However, Dončić remains focused on the team’s ultimate goal: the championship. In an interview with Slovenian news portal 24UR, he expressed that he isn’t concerned about individual accolades, preferring to stay focused on the team’s success.
The five-time All-Star is currently ranked fifth in the NBA MVP standings, a notable achievement despite his injury setbacks. In his last game before missing time, Dončić recorded a 45-point triple-double to lead the Mavericks to a 143-113 win over the Golden State Warriors. Despite his injuries, Dončić described them as “small problems” that he hopes to address early in the season.
Since mid-November, the Mavericks have surged, improving from a 5-7 start to a 18-10 record, good for fourth in the Western Conference. Over the last 15 games, Dončić has averaged 29.5 points, 8.9 assists, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game, showing his value as a key contributor to the team’s success.
