Mavs' Luka Doncic (ankle) questionable one day after 73-point outing

Field Level Media|published: Sat 27th January, 17:55 2024

Jan 26, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) waves to the crowd against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. credits: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has right ankle soreness and is questionable for Saturday night's home game against the Sacramento Kings, one night after scoring a career-high 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks.

Doncic's point total tied for the fourth highest in NBA history. Only Wilt Chamberlain (twice) and Kobe Bryant (once) scored more points in a game than Doncic.

Doncic experienced ankle soreness earlier this month and missed four games in a six-game stretch. He also twisted it during Wednesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns.

In Friday's game, Doncic made 25 of 33 shots from the field, 8 of 13 3-point attempts and 15 of 16 free throws against Atlanta while helping Dallas end a three-game skid.

Doncic's franchise-record output tied for fourth with Chamberlain (twice) and David Thompson, whose big outing came in the finale of the 1977-78 season.

Chamberlain owns the NBA record of 100 points and also had a 78-point effort during his dominating career. Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash four years ago Friday, ranks second with an 81-point game.

Dallas guard Kyrie Irving (right thumb) has missed the past two games and is listed as doubtful against the Kings. Forward Derrick Jones Jr., who left Friday's game with a left wrist injury, is questionable.

—Field Level Media