Sources confirm troubling Luka Doncic update as major Klay Thompson concern comes to light

The 2024 NBA Finals were nothing short of painful as the Dallas Mavericks’ dreams crumbled. After an extraordinary season, they were left empty-handed and had no choice but to walk away with nothing but the thought of trying again next year. Also, their holiday season was ruined on Christmas Day against the Minnesota Timberwolves. There was tons of excitement in the air for Mavericks fans. Klay Thompson entered the game just three 3-pointers away from passing Reggie Miller on the all-time 3-pointer list, and the fans couldn’t have been more excited. However, it turned to despair at the end of the second quarter.

With Dallas trailing 48-38 with 2:55 left in the first half, Luka Dončić appeared to suffer a non-contact leg injury when he tried to drive Jaden McDaniels. Grimacing in pain, he immediately went back to the dressing room and was later ruled out for the rest of the game with a left calf strain. He is known for dominating on Christmas Day, but the only thing fans will remember about his performance this season is that he suffered one of the scariest injuries of his career. Dončić has a history of problems with his left calf, missing all or most of the past two preseasons while playing the first three games of the 2022 playoffs.

For good reason, fans are worried about his return. Dallas had finally found a rhythm before playing Minnesota on Christmas, having won 14 of their previous 17 games before Doncic went down, but this injury has caused them to fall in the standings over the past few weeks. Now it looks like the Mavs will have to deal with it a little longer as sources claim the Slovenian star will require more time before returning.

This came up Warriors Plus Minus podcast following the Mavs’ 110-105 loss to the Hornets. While discussing how the Hornets had outplayed the Western team, host Anthony Slater noted: “I watched the second half of Charlotte-Dallas today, where LaMelo Ball and the Hornets, with Del Curry on the call, are cooking for the Mavericks, who, I don’t know, like Luka Doncic still feel pretty far away. They tumble down the rankings.”

This comes as no surprise as the Mavs have been very inconsistent this season. The situation became even more apparent after Doncic was sidelined. Doncic has missed 19 games this season, with the team posting a 10-11 record. However, in their last ten matches they have managed only three wins which is quite worrying. After the Christmas Day injury, Luka had to be reassessed after a month. Meanwhile, it appears he has set himself a deadline for his return to court.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Doncic’s “The goal is to be back before the NBA All-Star break.” In particular, since injuring his calf, Doncic has been seen shooting layup jumpers (without jumping) at various practices, and Jason Kidd talked about his rehab process during Dallas’ pregame news conference Wednesday. “Looks good,” Kidd said of Doncic’s rehab process. “I think he’s going in the right direction, he’s doing everything he needs to do.” Kidd also spoke briefly about Lukas’ eagerness to return.

“He’s been out long enough, and that’s probably the longest he’s ever been out, so I think it’s safe to say he wants to be back.” he said. Amidst all of this, if anything has added to the Mavs’ woes, it’s Klay Thompson, who instead of stepping up, has struggled to find his rhythm.

Luka Doncic’s absence raises concerns about Klay Thompson’s performance

The Mavericks added Klay to support Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, forming what was expected to be a formidable Big 3. With Thompson on the court, the dynamic duo would have more room to operate and lead the offense. But unfortunately the 25-year-old had to leave the picture. And with his absence, even Klay’s playing ability seemed to disappear.

At the start of the season, Klay seemed to regain his confidence and take charge, but now he is clearly struggling. People knew the former Warrior for his ability to create attacks at various levels, but his effectiveness has declined. Even his signature pump fakes, once a key part of his game, are no longer up to date.

Despite getting several open chances, Klay hesitated to shoot and opted for pump fakes that ultimately ruined his opportunities. Against the Hornets, he had a clear shot to take the game into overtime. All he had to do was take the open, deep shot in the final quarter. Instead, he pumped and missed a golden opportunity, finishing with just seven points.

So far this season, Klay is averaging 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and two assists while shooting just over 41% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. This growing uncertainty surrounding Klay’s performance puts even more pressure on Kyrie Irving, who will have to carry the team on his shoulders until Doncic returns. And when that happens is still a mystery.