current location:HOME > Sports News > Basketball Hub > Text content

Luka Doncic says leg injury is 'not okay,' but he played through it

nqajqrqw7months ago (05-17)Basketball Hub162

Luka Doncic has been the best player during the 2023 FIBABasketball World Cup, and he's been doing it on one leg.

Doncic has been battling a leg injury since the second half ofthe 2022-23 NBA season and when asked about the injury, Doncic saidit's "not okay," per Sports Illustrated.

"I do not know what to say," Doncic said. "It's not okay. At thesame time, I have to prepare for one more game, and then for awhole season in the NBA."

Doncic has been incredible throughout the World Cup, becomingthe first player with 200+ points, 50+ rebounds and 40+ assists ina single World Cup over the last 30 years. Through eight games, heaveraged 27 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.5 steals pergame.

Even though Slovenia had no chance of winning a medal, hedecided to continue playing and led the team to a seventh-placefinish.

"There was no question at all [I would continue playing],"Doncic said. "As I have said manytimes, whenever I can, I will play for the national team. There isno question for me. The crowd here is cheering for us, so theatmosphere is really great."

Luka Doncic came two dimes short of theWorld Cup's first-ever triple double to power Slovenia's win overItaly and earn TCL Player of the Game honors 👏📊 29 PTS | 10 REB | 8 AST | 3 STL | 32 EFF#FIBAWCx #WinForSlovenia 🇸🇮 | #InspireGreatness pic.twitter.com/8ScQNdTdsl

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 9, 2023

When asked about staying motivated even though Slovenia couldn'twin a medal, Doncic replied: "It shouldn't be difficult. It's theWorld Cup after all. We made it to the top-eight. I don't see whythat would be difficult. Playing basketball is already a greatmotivation for me, especially for the national team."

Doncic could have pulled out of the World Cup to recover, butrepresenting his country on a big stage is clearly important tohim.

It remains to be seen if Doncic's leg will continue to botherhim as he suits up with the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2023-24NBA season.

Doncic is coming off a monster season with Dallas in which heaveraged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 2.8 threes and 1.4steals, while shooting 49.6% from the field, 34.2% from three-pointrange and 74.2% from the free-throw line.

However, the Mavericks struggled as a team, finishing the yearwith a 38-44 record (11th-best in the Western Conference), causingDallas to miss the play-in tournament. Now, with a full season ofthe Doncic and Kyrie Irving one-two punch, a return to thepostseason is expected.

Doncic will have about three weeks to rest before the Mavs'training camp gets underway.

Share with friends:

“Luka Doncic says leg injury is 'not okay,' but he played through it” ofrelated articles

2024 NBA Playoffs Day 5 Recap: Miami surprises Boston, OKC routs NOLA

Day 5 of the 2024 NBA Playoffsfeatured the Miami Heat taking a game off the mighty BostonCeltics, stealing their home-court advantage. It was a tough...

Lonzo Ball trending toward NBA return after missing two years

Lonzo Ball, the Chicago Bulls'talented point guard, is making progress toward his long-awaitedreturn to the NBA court after a two-year hiatus.The No....

NBA announces 2024 Rising Stars participants

Today, the NBA announced the 28players who have earned spots to compete in the 2024 Panini RisingStars, which will take place on Friday, Feb. 16 at Ga...

Steph Curry, Sabrina Ionescu to face off in NBA vs. WNBA 3-Point Contest

NBA all-time three-point leader and Golden State Warriors guardStephen Curry and WNBA single-season three-point record-holder andNew York Liberty guar...

Celtics acquire Jrue Holiday in blockbuster trade with Blazers

Jrue Holiday was traded for the second time this week – thistime to the Boston Celtics.After being sent to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of Damia...

Christian Wood signs two-year deal with Los Angeles Lakers

Christian Wood has agreed to a two-year, $5.7 million deal withthe Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.Wood's contract includes...