Nothing seems to favor Dallas, except the timely buckets from Luka Doncic in the NBA Finals. However, a few minutes into the 1st quarter of Game 2, the Mavs were helpless once again, because their main man had left the court. With a 0-1 deficit, the Championship was on the line for the Slovenian guard and his teammates. It looked like his knees continued to be a problem. He played the playoffs with sprained knees. But that was not the only problem ahead of Game 2. He was dealing with a thoracic contusion, which limits his movement due to a bruised chest.

The Western Conference MVP was feeling uneasy during the warm-up ahead of Game 2 as well. However, addressing the elephant in the room, has Doncic returned to the game? As expected, the knees will not stop Doncic from going 100%. Alex Barth wrote, “Luka Doncic just went down the tunnel back to the Mavericks locker room. He’d been getting attention from the trainers during that timeout.” Despite missing the last few minutes of his efficient 1st quarter, he was back in the 2nd, to make some crucial plays.

Doncic finished the game with an impressive 32-point triple-double, but the Celtics once again secured their home court to move one step closer to the trophy. Now, what’s at stake for the Dallas unit? Obviously, the Championship, but also, Doncic’s availability. He has played through sprained knees, but can he overcome the problem of thoracic contusions? Let’s take a detailed look. 

Will thoracic contusions spoil Luka Doncic’s impressive Finals display?

Doncic has put on a stellar show, averaging 31 points and 10.5 rebounds in the first two games of the Finals. Doing this with a sprained knee is impressive, but the bruised ribs would severely limit his movement in the upcoming games. If you are wondering what a thoracic contusion is capable of, here is what a sports physician has to say about it. 

According to Jesse Morse on X, thoracic contusions “are quite painful and will have difficulty twisting and rotating his core”. As a point guard, Doncic’s game requires him to be very flexible. Moreover, keeping in mind his heavy dependence on fadeaways and post-game, the above condition can be a huge problem. Surprisingly, Doncic had 8 turnovers today, and bruised ribs could be a reason for it. Also, let’s listen to what he had to say about his availability for Game 3. 

After the devastating loss, Doncic shared, “I actually was [questionable to play]. But I always want to play. All day we did a lot of things to get ready.” Game 3 will give the Mavs a home-court advantage and it will be the most crucial game for them this season. As per Doncic’s words, he will be ready to play Game 3, despite all the concerns. However, if he is sidelined, the trophy might get out of grasp. 

Before you go, do not forget to check out how Caitlin Clark’s humility despite the negativity surrounding her is impressing Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato. Keep checking this space for more such updates.