Luka Doncic has been pushing through pain to play in the NBA Finals.
Dealing with Injuries:
Reports say Luka has been getting pain-killing injections for his thoracic contusion. He had one before Game 2 and is set for another before Game 3. Despite this, Luka keeps a positive front. “I feel good. I don’t want to give any more details, but I feel good,” he said.
Leading the Mavericks:
Luka has been a powerhouse in the playoffs, averaging 29 points, 9.7 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. The Mavs hope these treatments help him overcome their current 2-0 series deficit against Boston.
Report: Luka Doncic to get ‘pain-killing injection’ prior to Game 3
— LoneStarLive.com (@TXLoneStarLive)
Shooting Struggles:
In the finals so far, Luka has made nine out of twenty-one three-point shots (38.1%), while his teammates have only hit five out of thirty-two (15.6%). Even Kyrie Irving hasn’t made any of his eight attempts yet! But Luka remains hopeful: “Just one thing: Keep shooting… If you’re open, just keep shooting.”
Sometimes I wonder how they handle all that pressure.
After Game 2, Luka noted it was easier to find open teammates as Boston’s defense shifted focus on him more heavily.
Team Strategy and Spirit:
The Mavericks need their shots to start falling soon if they want a chance at winning this series. During the playoffs leading up to the finals, they shot well at 37.1%. P.J. Washington believes taking good shots is key: “We feel pretty good coming home… It’s all about just making open ones.”
Josh Green agrees with sticking to their strategy despite early jitters: “We’ve been shooting great throughout the playoffs… We need to make those shots.”
The Road Ahead:
For Dallas to succeed, Luka needs more offensive support from his team and fewer turnovers himself—he had eight in Game 2 alone! Improving free throw accuracy wouldn’t hurt either.
