Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic are both nursing their injuries, and their presence will be important in a must-win situation in Game 6.
The Mavs are one of the bigger surprises this season. Yes, everyone expected them to compete. However, no one saw them going this deep into the Playoffs with the Clippers. Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic are blossoming into superstars at the right time. Unfortunately, injuries are setting them back.
Naturally, they want to compete down to the line with the championship favorites, LA Clippers. Realizing this could be harder than usual as they fight through the pain. Otherwise, they will have to wait for a full year to redeem themselves.
Kristaps Porzingis ailing with a knee injury
The knee injury of Kristaps is not on the same knee, where he had his ACL surgery in 2018. For the most of the season, KP was healthy except for some games he had to sit out because of the same knee.
The prolonged rest did him well. He came out rushing and excited to win games in the bubble seeding games. He only played six out of the eight games the Mavs had in the bubble, yet he looked formidable. Kristaps averaged 30.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Ultimately, he was awarded an All NBA bubble Second-team nod.
It is a concerning fact for the Mavs’ fans to not have their rim-protector in a crucial game. This was evidenced by the free-flowing attack of the Clippers on the paint with no resistance coming from the bigs of Dallas. KP will look to power through the soreness on his knee for Game 6.
Luka Doncic is wincing and playing through the pain
It’s always difficult to see superstars go down with an injury. Following a Game 3 rolled ankle, Luka gave the Mavs nation a jumpscare after he didn’t return to the game. Fortunately, he had enough adrenaline through his veins to sink in the game 4 winning shot heard throughout the world.
Luka was visibly in pain for the most of Game 5. He hobbled up and down the court and looked slightly off his usual beat. He only posted 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists with a poor shooting of just 35% from the field.
The Mavs will want their duo back on the floor on Friday to force a Game 7 for the series. With enough rest and ice treatments, Luka and Kristaps could still finish a possible upset situation against the Clippers.
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