Luka Doncic injures left thumb against Clippers

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was wearing black kinesiology tape on his left wrist and thumb after Saturday night’s 107-88 drubbing at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers. The injury occurred in the first quarter when Doncic’s hand made contact with James Harden’s knee.

“I hit his knee. I saw the pictures. It’s not good to see,” Doncic said in his postgame press conference. “I don’t think it’s broken. The x-rays didn’t [indicate] that it’s broken. So, we’ll see further tomorrow in Dallas.”

Doncic banged his hand against Harden’s knee at 11:08 in the first as he stole the ball. He checked out of the game with 4:49 left to play and returned to the locker room, where the training staff could examine his hand. He checked back in at the start of the second quarter and finished the game.

“It’s my thumb,” Doncic said, clearing up confusion about his injury. “I can show you the picture later. You don’t want to see it.”

Doncic had a game-high 30 points with three rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in 38 minutes. This season, he averages 30.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 1.3 steals.

Minor injuries usually don’t stop Doncic from playing. Still, as he says, he, the team, and everyone else will know more about his condition and availability once his thumb is examined on Sunday.

The Mavericks’ next game is Tuesday when they take on the Houston Rockets in Dallas.