Luka Doncic suffers ankle injury during Game 3 (Video)

Luka Doncic left Mavs-Clippers Game 3 in what could prove to be a pivotal moment in this series

Doncic’s rise to NBA prominence has been one of the greatest basketball stories of this decade, and his performance so far in the 2020 postseason is inspiring to say the least. That’s what makes any potential injury such a feared setback not just for the Dallas Mavericks, but for the NBA as a whole. He’s a beacon of hope for international players hoping to make an impact in the jump from international waters to the NBA game.

During Game 3 of Mavs-Clippers, Doncic went down in a heap after turning his ankle. The initial reviews didn’t look positive for the Spanish star, and needless to say Dallas’ postseason chances hinge on his future availability.

Doncic returned briefly after spraining his ankle

We’ll give more updates as we receive them, but at this time it’s unknown exactly how severe Doncic’s injury is. Dallas won Game 2 largely on his back, as the Mavs were able to avenge a Game 1 defeat they felt was unfair and unjust after the ejection of Kristaps Porzingis for two technical fouls.

Over the course of the 2019-20 regular season, Doncic averaged 28.8 points-per-game on 46 percent shooting. His ability as a playmaker and young leader in Dallas’ offense makes his return all the more necessary to the Mavs’ immediate postseason future.

Doncic was able to return in Game 3 for a moment before heading back to the locker room, and it remains to be seen if it’ll impact him moving forward.