With Luka Doncic’s explosive triple-double in Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Dallas Mavericks have been leading the Western Conference playoff finals series by 2-0. Though the victory kissed Dallas’ jerseys this time, Doncic’s health remains a big concern. He was constantly moving in and out on the court, reportedly due to pain. Even ESPN insider Brian Windhorst shared the same opinion during his appearance on Stephen A. Smith’s show ‘First Take.‘ He commented on the injured knee of Luka that he struggled with even against the OKC squad.

“Luka’s knee is not right. You can tell he is not landing on it. He’s fighting through it, ” Windhorst commented on the importance of rest for Luka, considering his present condition. The statement from the ESPN insider seems genuine since the Mavs guard gave it his all in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder despite being in immense pain. However, Luka will not give up until he gives it his all and takes his team to victory. Yet it is quite so0n to end the story of someone like Luka on the basketball court. Irresponsibility toward injuries can land him in big trouble and affect the chances of a permanent injury.

Despite all of it, Luka delivered what everyone expected from him against the Timberwolves. The only option to stop Doncic is to double-man him or face the wrath of his spectacular shooting. He completely shut down DPOY Rudy Gobert with his astonishing three with a crossover. The Wolves’ best defense had no chance to stop Luka’s shooting. “He’s an incredible finesse player, ” Windhorst could not stop praising Luka despite his lumbering state.

Did Luka Doncic lie about his physical state to Shaq and Draymond Green?

Though Luka Doncic‘s pain is evidently visible on the court while playing, he does not admit it. When the Mavs guard was called on TNT’s show ‘Inside The NBA‘ with a panel including Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Draymond Green, he made a different claim from Windhorst’s comments. “I’m good. I’ll play no matter what,” Luka responded when the TNT show host asked the Mavs guard about his conditions physically overall.

Well, his words did not match his condition in the first quarter of the game, where he went straight to the locker room. Later, the Mavs guard reappeared on the court at the start of the second quarter. Notably, he was bleeding in Game 1 against the Wolves. Evidently, it will be a tough road ahead for the Slovenian guard to score hoops in the future. Yet Jason Kidd’s belief in Luka has not fumbled. Per Kidd, Luka is “one of the toughest kids that I’ve[Jason] have the opportunity to coach.”

Despite all of the suffering, Doncic scored 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in the first half of the game. Considering Luka’s resolve for his team, such performances might be more to come. However, it will depend on the Mavericks how they will utilise their guard efficiently to avoid major injury. What is your point prediction for Luka in Game 3? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to check out what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.