As the Mavericks begin to make noise this season, they have a worrying sight with Luka Doncic. The 2024 runners-up took on the New Orleans Pelicans tonight in their second NBA Cup game. Building on their winning streak, the Texas side rammed over the Pels to produce a 132-91 win, expanding their points differential. LukaMagic came out on top with his game-high 26 points and 5 assists. However, following the game, he scared the Mavs loyalists with a tapped-up wrist.

The 25-year-old seemed to have injured his wrist during tonight’s game. We aren’t sure of exactly when he got injured. The star guard came out to the pressers with his right wrist taped. Brad Townsend, who shared a photo from the presser, added that Doncic “banged” his wrist during the game. Moreover, when a reporter asked about the wrist, the Slovenian star said, “I don’t know honestly. (It) started feeling in the first quarter, and then it just got worse. It’s nothing.“

Ahead of tonight’s game, the team had listed Luka Doncic in the Questionable category, citing a right knee contusion. It would have been the first two straight misses for the star guard had he missed tonight’s game. Nevertheless, looking at the star’s positive update after the game, Luka is less likely to miss the next game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday.

Nevertheless, currently standing at the 9th seed, the Mavericks are poised to reach the top 5 in a few days’ time. Considering the equation in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks with 8 wins have reached the top 4. Meanwhile, on the West, the Mavs are at the bottom with the same amount of wins. It shows nothing, but the heightened competition in the West, with at least 5 teams contending for the title. Will the Mavs’ find the groove at the right moment?

Can Luka Doncic & Co. run it back again?

In the last season, after a shaky start, the team finished in the fifth seed with a 50-32 record. Ironically, it was the East’s second-seeded Knicks record too. However, the Mavs looked extremely lethal in the postseason, cruising through the postseason effortlessly. Kyrie Irving and Luka emerged in the best backcourt duo conversation in the process. Nevertheless, they couldn’t keep up the momentum in the Finals, as they suffered a 1-4 loss.

Heading into the fresh season, the team roped in Klay Thompson further increasing the space on the floor. Something which bothered them throughout the Finals series, as the Celts’ defenders were all over them. Moreover, not to forget the presence of Kai. Tonight, Irving dropped 18 points with 4-5 from the deep.

Speaking about Irving’s effort tonight, Luka said, “Because he is Kyrie Irving. I get to see it every day. So amazing. To this day, it amaze(s) me… He’s just unbelievable… He’s never going to be the tallest guy on the floor, the way he finishes with the ball is just unbelievable, and then his jump shot. Every time he goes up, I just feel he can’t miss.” Will the Mavs run it back? Let us know in the comments.