PHOENIX — Luka Doncic left Thursday night’s Mavericks win over the Phoenix Suns after suffering a sprained left ankle.
He did not return to play or on the Dallas bench.
Coach Jason Kidd said Doncic was “in a good mood” after the win but gave no details on the 23-year-old All-Star’s status ahead of Saturday’s game against the Jazz.
“He looked good. He looked good,” Kidd said, “but we’ll see if we continue here. We’ll likely have more information once we get to Utah.”
Kidd said he spoke to Doncic at halftime and before his post-game press conference.
“He was smiling,” Kidd said, “and he was happy for his teammates by saying DP took some big free throws but then came up with that missed free throw rebound. Just his courage tonight for DP was at a high level. The character of this team played hard and found a way to win.”
Luka Doncic (left ankle sprain) will not return for tonight’s game in Phoenix, per @MavsPR.
— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) January 27, 2023
Less than four minutes into the game, the 23-year-old superstar began limping after spinning off the post and stepping on the foot of a Suns defender. Despite not falling to the ground, Doncic immediately grabbed his left ankle and limped back into defense. Coach Jason Kidd called a timeout as the Mavericks regained possession.
Players’ Health and Performance Director Casey Smith met Doncic on the pitch when play was suspended and took him straight to the dressing room.
Doncic hasn’t missed a game this season through injury, missing just five of the Mavericks’ first 50 games, all to rest and recover back-to-back from minor ailments on the second night.
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