By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The likes of a fresh new start for the Dallas Mavericks but with only 32 games left in the 2023-24 Regular Season.
Recovering from a sprained right thumb, Kyrie Irving rejoined Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic on Monday. Missing the previous six contests of the NBA campaign added to the rarity of the two top players playing together. The path seems clear down the stretch with teams, including the Mavs, battling for a berth in the 2024 Playoffs.
“Now that we have everybody healthy or almost everybody healthy, just trying to find your spots and get the rhythm, and play well as a team together,” noted German Maxi Kleber after putting up 14 points, five assists, four rebounds, and one block against the Philadelphia 76ers in Wells Fargo Center.
Kleber, 32, dislocated his right small toe earlier in the season and has been limited to 14 appearances in his seventh year in Dallas. Sporadic appearances on the injury list prove he has yet to fully recover. Furthermore, Doncic has been dealing with right ankle soreness over recent weeks.
“We got to figure out where to be and where to space to give them the room to play,” added Kleber on the plan for the team coached by Jason Kidd focusing on Doncic and Irving.
Remaining on the sidelines, right knee bursitis prevents Australian Dante Exum from jumping back into action. Also, Dereck Lively II is set to undergo surgery after suffering a nasal fracture.
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