Luka Doncic Returns to Mavericks for First Practice Since October 2nd

Luka Doncic took part in his initial practice in a span of two weeks on Wednesday, but it is improbable that the forward will participate in the preseason game between the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.

According to head coach Jason Kidd, Doncic's performance on Wednesday afternoon was "really, really impressive" as he recovers from a left calf bruise sustained during team workouts in training camp.

An MRI scan showed no major damage, and the Mavericks advised Doncic to take a week off before returning to on-court activities.

Dallas will kick off the regular season next week by hosting the San Antonio Spurs on October 24. However, if Doncic does not play in the game against Milwaukee on Thursday, it will be the first time that Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson will play together in a regular season game against the Spurs.

Thompson, who is 34 years old, has appeared in multiple preseason games despite dealing with tightness in his back. He has struggled with his shooting, including an 0-for-9 performance against the Clippers on Monday. Thompson signed a $50 million contract for three years in free agency, and Kidd has identified him as a crucial piece for the reigning Western Conference champions.

Doncic, who is 25 years old, has been selected to the All-NBA First Team five times. In his 400 regular season games, he has averaged 28.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.

In the 2023-24 season, he surpassed those numbers by leading the league in scoring with an average of 33.9 points per game and adding a career-high of 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds per game. Despite his injuries, he played in 22 postseason games, averaging 40.9 minutes, 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists.