The Dallas Mavericks have had a mediocre start to the 2024-25 NBA season as compared to the previous season. Their star man Luka Doncic has not been himself lately, especially regarding his defensive aspect of the game. Notably, Doncic is currently injured which has left the Mavs fans worried about his return. The heead coach Jason Kidd spoke about Luka Doncic’s injury recently.
The Mavs played against the New York Knicks in their most recent matchup on Wednesday night. Luka Doncic, Daniel Gafford, and Klay Thompson were among the Dallas Mavericks’ anticipated absences from the game against the Knicks. Before tip-off, Kidd gave reporters an important update on Doncic.
Everything has come back that he looks good, and he’s getting closer to coming back.
Jason Kidd via Joey Mistretta
“Everything has come back that he looks good, and he’s getting closer to coming back.”
Mavs coach Jason Kidd on Luka Doncic’s return 🗣️
(via @JoeyMistretta_) pic.twitter.com/QJDSwRCVAJ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 27, 2024
This news will surely boost the Mavs fans as their side are (11-8) in the 2024-25 NBA season. Due to the immense competition this season, Doncic and Co. will have to perform at their best. Through 14 games of the 2024–25 season, the five-time All-Star has scored 28.1 points per game on 43.5 percent field goals and 32.4 percent three-point shooting.
On the other hand, Doncic’s teammate, Kyrie Irving deserves a lot of credit for helping the Mavericks win in his absence. Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jaden Hardy, and Naji Marshall have contributed in Doncic’s absence as well. With Doncic joining the roster soon, it will be intriguing to spectate the Mavs going forward into this season.
Kyrie Irving ‘steps up’ in Luka Doncic’s absence against Knicks
The Dallas Mavericks recently played against the New York Knicks on home court at the American Airlines Center. Going into the game, the Mavs had an inferior squad. They were without 3 marquee players. Luka Doncic, Klay Thompson, and Daniel Gafford remains on the sidelines with injuries. Despite this, the Mavs won the game 129-114 against the Knicks.
This is all thanks to Kyrie Irving’s all-round performance against the NY side. Interestingly, Irving has a top-notch personal record with the Knicks in his NBA career. In his last 22 games versus the Knicks, Irving has improved to 19-3 and came very close to recording a triple-double. In addition to seven rebounds and six assists, he scored 23 points on 10 of 21 shots.
No Luka Doncic, no problem as Kyrie Irving and the Mavs take down the Knicks with ease 🔥
Kyrie Irving:
23 points
7 rebounds
6 assistsNaji Marshall:
24 points
3 rebounds pic.twitter.com/i1C7o19mFK— Mavs Nation (@MavsNationCP) November 28, 2024
Aside from this, it’s important to note that the Mavs are 4-1 without the presence of Doncic on their side. This speaks volumes of the quality that the Mavs have at their disposal this season. However, they have failed to stay consistent with their performances lately. With Doncic’s return close, it remains to be seen how the Mavs perform this season.
