Image Source: NBA Sports
[Saba Sports News] Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic was evidently battling an injury during his NBA Finals debut against the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
Doncic appeared hobbled throughout the first three quarters of Game 1 at TD Garden in Boston, where the Celtics surged to a 63-42 halftime lead. The ESPN broadcast even showed Doncic wincing in pain as he jogged back on defense early in the second half.
Despite his discomfort, Doncic scored 10 points in the third quarter, cutting a 29-point Celtics lead down to 8. However, Boston responded with a 14-2 run, extending their lead to 86-66 before the final quarter.
Doncic has been dealing with a knee injury since the postseason began in April. Despite playing through pain, he has led his team past the first three rounds of the NBA playoffs.
In contrast, the Celtics had a smoother path to the Finals, facing teams in the Eastern Conference bracket — the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers — that were hampered by injuries to their top players.
The same challenge now appears to be unfolding for the Mavericks against the Celtics.