Luka Doncic’s Injury Presents a Hidden Opportunity for the Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have remained resilient this season, overcoming early struggles. After a rough 5-7 start to the season, they’ve managed to string together three consecutive wins. The first 15 games have revealed much about this Mavericks team, and while they haven’t yet reached their full potential, fans can see the early signs of a team that could contend for a championship in the near future.
However, the Mavericks received some unfortunate news, as superstar Luka Doncic will miss at least the next three games due to a sprained right wrist. This setback halts head coach Jason Kidd’s efforts to fine-tune the team’s rotation, as Dallas’ victory over the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this week showcased their most complete performance of the season.
In that game, Dallas’ role players contributed effectively on both ends of the court, while Kyrie Irving and Doncic led the offensive charge. Kidd leaned on Quentin Grimes and Jaden Hardy as the primary backup guards in the game, with Spencer Dinwiddie not seeing any floor time.
For Mavericks fans, it seemed like Kidd had finally discovered his ideal bench rotation, at least until Dante Exum returns from injury. Still, with plenty of basketball left to play, Dallas will have to adjust and optimize their rotation in the absence of Doncic.
Luka Doncic’s Injury Could Boost Dallas’ Offense
Given some of Doncic’s inconsistent defensive play this season and the fact that he has appeared less mobile with the ball recently, this stretch without him might actually offer several benefits to the Mavericks.
First, Irving has been on an offensive tear all season and has often had to defer to Doncic in critical moments, particularly when Doncic has been inefficient early in games or in clutch situations. While it’s not ideal for a prolonged stretch—considering Irving’s age and the dynamic partnership between him and Doncic—Irving being the primary offensive force for Dallas could yield positive results during this time without Doncic.
Irving is currently averaging 24.3 points and 5.2 assists per game, with remarkable shooting splits of 54.5/53.8/85.7. As long as Irving’s shooting efficiency stays strong, or even dips slightly, Dallas should have enough offensive firepower to make it through this stretch, particularly if Grimes and Hardy continue to improve in shot creation.
There’s no doubt that Doncic contributes more to the offense than he takes away, but his absence will give role players like Hardy, Grimes, and Naji Marshall more freedom to contribute on offense. This could have long-term benefits for Dallas, as these players wouldn’t have the same opportunity to create for themselves when both Doncic and Irving are on the floor together.
Additionally, this could offer an opportunity for sharp-shooter Klay Thompson to get more chances as an offensive initiator. Despite his success in catch-and-shoot situations, Thompson has sometimes struggled to generate his own offense.
This isn’t an experimental period for the Mavericks, as they face a key matchup against the Denver Nuggets in the Emirates NBA Cup tonight. However, this stretch without Doncic could help improve Dallas’ offense in the long run, as role players will have more chances to settle into the flow of the offense. Irving is currently playing better than Doncic, and Doncic’s time off could help improve his mobility, further strengthening the team once he returns from injury.