Luka Doncic has first scoreless game in more than 3 years: All you need to know

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer this season, left the game tonight between the Mavs and the Phoenix Suns without a single point. The Slovenian played only three minutes and exited the match due to a left ankle sprain.

Doncic’s previous career-low was back in 2019 versus the Miami Heat when a disastrous left ankle injury cut his night short after just two minutes. He scored just two points in that game.

It remains to be seen how tonight’s encounter with the Suns will end as the game has just reached the halfway point, with Dallas leading 54-48. Spencer Dinwiddie has taken the scoring cudgels for Jason Kidd’s squad, dropping 20 points in 24 minutes of action.

The first quarter ended at 32 all before the Mavericks edged the Suns in the second period, 22-16. How Phoenix will capitalize on Luka Doncic’s absence will be interesting to see. The Mavs are winless in five games without the soon-to-be four-time All-Star.

Before tonight and the Miami Heat game in December 2019, there were four instances when “Luka Magic” failed to hit at least 10 points. It happened three times in his rookie season versus the LA Lakers, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Orlando Magic, respectively.

Doncic was also held scoreless on Jan. 19, 2019, on the road against the Indiana Pacers.

Except for tonight and Miami in 2019, Luka Doncic was healthy during those low-scoring games.

Doncic has averaged the most minutes of his career and has put up his most efficient numbers this season. He is averaging a career-high 33.8 points on 49.8% from the field. Considering how much time he spends on the ball, these numbers are just insane.

Despite the injury, the scoreless night was surprising. Doncic has had the most 50-point games this season in the NBA with three. He highlighted it with a historic 60-point triple-double versus the New York Knicks on Dec. 27.

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Luka Doncic has been selected as an NBA All-Star team starter

Luka Doncic will continue his string of NBA All-Star appearances this season. He’s now made it to four straight All-Star teams, including next month’s edition in Salt Lake City. Doncic has been named a starter every time he’s been voted to play.

Getting voted to start in the Western Conference is very tough. Only two guards will make it to the top five, along with three frontcourt players. LeBron James, Nikola Jokic and Zion Williamson occupy those slots.

Doncic’s place was under threat from the OKC Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant, who started last season.

In the end, Luka Doncic’s MVP-level play got him the nod over “SGA” and Morant. The sprained left ankle, if serious, could prevent him from playing in Utah next month though. The All-Star weekend is on Feb. 19, roughly a month away.

The Dallas Mavericks will only go as far as “Wonder Boy” can carry them. If he isn’t 100% healthy, there’s a big chance he will be sidelined for the festivities in Salt Lake City.