Luka Doncic Available for Game 2 Despite Injury Concerns
Initial Status and Downgrade
Despite being downgraded from probable to questionable on Sunday, Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is available for Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Celtics. Initially listed as probable with a sprained right knee and left ankle soreness, Doncic was later downgraded to questionable after adding a bruised chest to his list of injuries.
Final Clearance
Doncic was cleared to play after successfully completing his pregame warmup at TD Garden in Boston ahead of the 8 p.m. tipoff.
Per @dallasmavs
Luka Dončić (thoracic contusion, right knee sprain, left ankle soreness) will be AVAILABLE for Game 2 against the Celtics.
@wbz #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/qs9v5lUnDh
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) June 9, 2024
Game 1 Performance
Doncic’s Stats
In Game 1 on Thursday night, Doncic led the Mavericks with 30 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Celtics defense pressured him throughout the game, forcing him into a 12-for-26 shooting night with just one assist to four turnovers. Boston won the game 107-89, taking a 1-0 series lead.
Postseason Averages
Over 18 games this postseason, Doncic is averaging 28.8 points per game on 44 percent shooting, along with 9.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists. Dallas head coach Jason Kidd noted that Doncic sustained his chest injury while taking a charge and diving for a loose ball during Game 1.
Strategic Moves
Gamesmanship by Dallas
It appears the Mavericks engaged in some gamesmanship regarding Doncic’s injury status for Game 2. Kidd was also involved in some psychological maneuvering, claiming on Saturday that Jaylen Brown, not Jayson Tatum, was Boston’s best player. Celtics players did not respond to Kidd’s comments, likely never doubting that Doncic would play in Sunday night’s Game 2.
