Woj: Mavericks Optimistic Doncic Will Play Game 4 Vs. Jazz
Apr 23, 2022, 11:33 AM
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic sits on the bench against the Utah Jazz (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Dallas Mavericks are optimistic that superstar guard Luka Doncic will return from his calf strain to face the Utah Jazz in Game 4 of their series according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Doncic suffered the injury in the Mavericks season finale on April 10 and has yet to appear against the Jazz.
“There’s increasing optimism Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will play vs. Utah in Game 4 today, sources tell ESPN,” Wojnarowski tweeted. “The plan is that his minutes will be limited in his first game back since suffering a calf strain on April 10.”
There’s increasing optimism Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will play vs. Utah in Game 4 today, sources tell ESPN. The plan is that his minutes will be limited in his first game back since suffering a calf strain on April 10.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 23, 2022
Despite Doncic’s absence, the Mavericks have taken a 2-1 series lead over the Jazz behind Jalen Brunson’s brilliant performances in Games 2 and 3.
A career 11.9 point per game scorer, Brunson is averaging 32.0 points per game so far in the playoffs, and 36.0 points per game in the Mavericks’ back-t0-back wins.
Heading into the series the Mavericks were 8-9 on this season without Doncic on the court and just 1-8 in games against playoff opponents.
But, even without Doncic, the Mavericks quickly solved the Jazz defensive game plan resulting in easy dribble penetration and a deadly three-point attack.
The @utahjazz have the worst defensive rating in the playoffs over their last two losses.
That's where they say their focus lies ahead of Game 4.#TakeNote https://t.co/JGWZErbusS
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 22, 2022
Over their last two games, the Mavericks have connected on 40-89 three-point attempts, taking and making more threes than the Jazz did in their first three games combined.
During the regular season, Doncic led the Mavericks in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and usage percentage.
The Jazz and Mavericks will tip-off at 2:30 pm MT on Saturday and can be heard on KSL NewsRadio and The Zone Sports Network. The game will be televised on TNT and FuboTV.
