Mavericks Lose Rotational Player For Significant Period of Time

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off an impressive first-round series win over the Los Angeles Clippers. 

The Mavericks and Clippers were tied up at 2-2 through the first four games, but Dallas reeled off two good wins by double digits. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic will get a lot of credit for Dallas’ success in the playoffs, but they also received solid contributions from players such as Maxi Kleber.

Kleber was a non-factor in most of the first-round games against the Clippers, but the veteran forward erupted for 15 points in Game 5 on 5-of-7 shooting from deep in 19 minutes. The Mavs will look for someone else to step in Kleber’s presence as they prepare for the second round.

Mavericks News: Maxi Kleber Could Miss Entire Postseason Due to Injury

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Saturday that Kleber suffered a full dislocation of the AC joint in his right shoulder. Charania adds the 32-year-old forward is out for a significant period of time, if not the entire postseason.

Kleber suffered a right shoulder sprain in Game 6, where he only played five minutes and did not return. Without Kleber, the Mavericks received an excellent performance from rookie Dereck Lively II, who had 10 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 24 minutes off the bench.

If the Mavericks want to upset the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas will continue to need Lively Il to be productive off the bench, especially without Kleber’s presence to stretch the floor. Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 in Oklahoma City.

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