Photo: Peter Baba

Luka Doncic’s calf injury has raised concerns for the Dallas Mavericks, as the star guard could miss an extended stretch of games following his exit in the first half of their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Doncic was seen leaving the arena on crutches, and the team is awaiting the results of an MRI scheduled for Thursday to determine the severity of the injury.

The loss of the Slovenian sensation, even temporarily, has reverberated throughout the organization.

“This stings for sure for all of us,” said Kyrie Irving, Doncic’s backcourt partner. “Praying for Luka just to have a speedy recovery. However long the timetable is, we’re going to have to adjust. It’s just the nature of the business. Hopefully, he just takes his time and comes back when he’s ready.”

Irving’s words underline the team’s reliance on Doncic’s leadership and versatility, as well as the importance of prioritizing his health.

This isn’t the first time Doncic has dealt with a calf issue this season. He suffered a contusion on the same calf in October, though it did not result in significant missed time.

However, the current injury appears more serious, and missing even 10 additional games would disqualify the Dallas playmaker from consideration for regular-season awards, such as MVP or All-NBA honors. For a player of his caliber, such a scenario would be a major disappointment.

Doncic’s importance to the Mavericks cannot be overstated. Through 21 games this season, he has delivered remarkable performances, averaging 28.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in 36.6 minutes per game.

His player efficiency rating (PER) of 24.6 ranks among the league’s best, highlighting his all-around contribution to the team. Without him, the Mavericks face a daunting challenge in maintaining their competitiveness, especially in the highly-contested Western Conference.

The Mavericks will now need to recalibrate their game plan to navigate the player’s absence, with players like Irving and the supporting cast stepping into expanded roles.

While the team has shown flashes of resilience this season, sustaining that level without Doncic’s dynamic scoring and playmaking presents a significant test.

For Doncic, the focus will be on recovery and ensuring his long-term health. As Irving expressed, the hope is that he will return only when fully ready to avoid further complications.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks await the MRI results with cautious optimism, understanding that their season’s trajectory could hinge on the outcome.