Luka Doncic been fighting through pain in the early portion of the postseason, and the Dallas Mavericks star is not trying to hide it.
Doncic helped lead the Mavericks to a 105-101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals playoff series between the two teams on Saturday. The 25-year-old was listed as questionable for the game due to a knee sprain and ankle soreness.
Doncic finished with 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting, which not great for him. He still managed to contribute 15 rebounds. Late in the fourth quarter, Doncic landed flat on his back while fighting Thunder guard Luguentz Dort for a loose ball.
Considering how banged up he already is, it was fair to wonder how Doncic was feeling after the fall. Doncic, who was seen walking gingerly to the locker room following the win, gave a very honest response when a reporter asked what was bothering him.
Luka Doncic clearly was laboring after the game. I asked him during the postgame presser what was hurting as he walked off: “Everything,” he said. “I’m just battling out there.” pic.twitter.com/Fh94yc2ECf
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) May 11, 2024
“Everything,” Doncic said. “I’m just battling out there.”
The Mavericks lost Game 1 to the Thunder before bouncing back to take a 2-1 series lead. Doncic was clearly hurting, but fans showed him no mercy.
The fall Doncic took in Game 3 probably will not help his overall condition, but it would be a surprise if he takes a night off. Dallas will host the Thunder in Game 4 on Monday night.
