Hard fall forces Luka Doncic out of game vs. Pelicans

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) kneels on the floor after he is fouled by New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (not pictured) as he drives to the basket during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Hard fall forces Mavericks' Luka Doncic out of game vs. Pelicans

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 2/2/23

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic left Thursday's 111-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans following a scary fall early in the second half.

With 7:12 remaining in the third quarter, Doncic fell hard to the hardwood after colliding with Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas while attempting to finish a drive to the basket.

Luka Doncic took a HARD fall on this drive vs. the Pelicans

Doncic initially tried to stay in the game, but went back to the locker room in discomfort. pic.twitter.com/f4DPMfQPAt
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 3, 2023

Doncic initially stayed in the game before coming out a short time later. The Mavericks eventually ruled Doncic out for the game with a right heel contusion. Before exiting, Doncic shot 12-of-19 from the field and 2-of-7 from beyond the arc for 31 points, adding eight boards, four assists, and two steals.

Doncic came into Thursday night's contest nursing a left ankle sprain sustained last week against the Phoenix Suns. After sitting out a game, Doncic returned to the Mavericks lineup on Monday, dropping 53 points on the Detroit Pistons.

Despite his big night, Doncic told Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News that his ankle was still "far from 100 percent."

Doncic entered the night averaging 33.4 points per game, second in the NBA behind Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (33.5).

If Doncic misses any time, the Mavericks will have to embark on a tough upcoming stretch of games without him. Following Thursday night's game against the Pelicans, the Mavericks have seven games left until the NBA All-Star break, all against Western Conference teams with winning records.

Along with tough matchups against the Golden State Warriors (26-25) and Los Angeles Clippers (29-25), Dallas will also face off against the red-hot Pacific Division-leading Sacramento Kings (29-21) twice and the Denver Nuggets (35-18), who own the best record in the conference.

The win over the Pelicans helped Dallas improve to 28-25. The Mavericks trail only the Memphis Grizzlies (32-20) in the Southwest Division.

More must-reads: