It is well documented just how crucial Luka Doncic is to the Dallas Mavericks finding triumph once again. He is the glue that single-handedly keeps their hopes alive with his supernatural production. But as absurd as it sounds, his numbers have dipped, and it could be alluded to his weight gain in the offseason. However, was that by choice, or is the Slovenian actively trying to play himself to be in peak condition once again?

Let’s do a recap.

It was only in September that a picture of the 25-year-old left jaws on the floor. He looked lean and fit. That remained true for training camp, where he unfortunately couldn’t participate at all. Doncic suffered a left calf contusion which prevented him from training or playing in preseason. Some reports claimed he weighed 280 lbs, but those seem false as his final weight at training camp was listed at 230 lbs. Nonetheless, the abrupt stop to high-intensity basketball did take a toll as Hoop Collective’s Tim McMahon revealed the cause of his injury.

“I thought it looked like he put some work in when he reported to camp. Day before camp took an accidental hit to the calf playing pick up ball. Mssed all of camp, all of preseason. I think he gained some weight. Playing his way into rhythm, playing himself into shape,” McMahon revealed.

Having no basketball activity has affected Doncic’s production. Namely, his scoring and playmaking numbers haven’t waned noticeably. But the same can’t be said for efficiency. Luka Doncic thus far is shooting close to his career-low from both the field as well as three while averaging the most minutes of his career.

Yet, of late, with him finding his rhythm his gradually. Luka Doncic himself spoke about the same, claiming “If I knew I probably wouldn’t have started this slow. I didn’t have preseason, so I’m just trying to get back into my rhythm,”.

Luka Doncic and the Mavericks are in peril

After reaching the NBA Finals, the Mavericks adding Klay Thompson signified their urgency. The franchise knew they were one impact-making component away from making it back. But 12 games into the season, the Mavs’ engine is yet to start running. With a 5-7 record, Dallas hasn’t won any of their last three games.

But none will haunt them the most than tonight’s improbable loss to the Utah Jazz.

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The game seemed poised for overtime. However, improper communication inside the Mavericks gave way to probably the most comfortable game-winner this season. John Collins slipped past the vision of Luka Doncic and got an uncontested dunk right below the rim. Likewise, fans’ fury knew no limits, calling the Slovenian “lazy” for allowing the play to transpire.

After the game, the five-time All-Star took accountability as well. “It was a misunderstanding. I thought I was going to go hit, and Grimes thought he was going to go hit. And it was a lob, so we misunderstood the bench. That’s on me,” Luka Doncic said.

This now marks the sixth loss in seven clutch games for the Mavericks this season, the worst record in the league. Their offense only produces 8.3 points in the last stretch, shooting only 29% from three. That’s among the more concerning declines from last season when the Mavericks had the second-best win percentage in 32 clutch games last season.

How do you think the Mavericks can improve? Let us know your views in the comments below.