Luka Doncic calf injury mars Dallas Mavericks win over Spurs

The Dallas Mavericks were pushing for third in the Western Conference and eager to stay sharp as they hosted the San Antonio Spurs in their regular-season finale on April 10. Luka Doncic was leading a dominant third quarter that had pushed his team into a comfortable advantage before suffering a calf injury.

Doncic left his feet as he attacked the basket when he collided with Spurs forward Zach Collins. The 23-year-old superstar immediately grabbed his leg after landing on the floor and asked for a timeout. He hobbled off the court with Mavs director of player health and performance Casey Smith by his side in the worst possible outcome as the team gears up for the postseason.

Doncic had an incredible performance before the injury, but it was a gut punch for Dallas. Here is a look at his night, the injury, and what to expect moving forward.

Luka Doncic calf injury mars Dallas Mavericks win over Spurs

Doncic addressed the crowd before the game on Fan Appreciation Night, and he was determined to put on a show. The 6’7 guard came out firing from way deep in the first quarter, and fans can see his logo make for his 200th 3-pointer of the season.

Doncic had 26 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and one block in 29 minutes of action before the injury. He made eight of his 18 field goals and the Mavs superstar helped orchestra a 38-point third quarter that lifted Dallas to their 52nd victory of the season.

Fans were fearing the worst as Luka exited the court, but Adrian Wojnarowski was quick to offer an update on the 23-year-old superstar.

The playoffs begin on April 16. The Dallas Mavericks secured the fourth seed in the Western Conference, and they will face the Utah Jazz in the opening round of the playoffs. Supporters will be holding their breath that Doncic will be able to play in Game 1 and that the injury has no impact on his postseason performance. Tim MacMahon was not as optimistic as Woj about Luka’s injury.

Doncic nearly missed Sunday’s game versus the Spurs. He picked up his 16th technical foul of the season in Friday’s win over the Blazers, but the league rescinded it one day later. If the foul stood, Doncic would have been suspended for the season finale.

The Mavs picked up a 130-120 win on Sunday night to give them a season series sweep of the San Antonio Spurs for the first time in franchise history. Everything looked perfect for Dallas before Luka's injury. The Mavericks have won four straight and are hot heading into the playoffs, but the focus will be on Doncic.

Fans should be eagerly awaiting updates on Luka Doncic ahead of their playoff series. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on Luka, plus rumors, news, and analysis on the Dallas Mavericks.