Luka Doncic Returns to Mavericks Practice for the First Time Since Oct. 2
Luka Doncic took part in his first practice in two weeks on Wednesday, though it’s unlikely he’ll play in the preseason game between the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
Head coach Jason Kidd shared on Wednesday that Doncic did “really, really well” and is recovering from a left calf contusion he sustained during training camp workouts.
An MRI showed no significant damage, and the Mavericks recommended a week of rest before Doncic resumed on-court activities.
Dallas will open the regular season next week, hosting the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 24. If Doncic doesn’t play against Milwaukee on Thursday, the season opener versus the Spurs will be the first time Dallas features Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson together.
Thompson, 34, has participated in multiple preseason games while managing back tightness. His shooting has been slow to pick up, including a 0-for-9 performance on Monday against the Clippers. Thompson, who signed a three-year, $50 million contract in free agency, was highlighted by Kidd as a key player for the reigning Western Conference champions.
Doncic, 25, is a five-time First-Team All-NBA selection. In 400 career regular-season games, he has averaged 28.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.
In the 2023-24 season, Doncic surpassed these stats, leading the league in scoring with 33.9 points per game, along with a career-best 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds. Despite dealing with injuries, he played 22 postseason games, averaging 40.9 minutes, 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game.
This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.
