Doncic returns to Mavericks' lineup after missing 4 games

Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic returned to the Dallas Mavericks’ lineup on Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs after missing four games because of a sprained right ankle. Doncic leads the league this season with eight triple-doubles. He entered the game averaging 29.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game.

The injury occurred Dec. 14 against the Miami Heat after Doncic had played only 1:40. Dallas lost that game and was 2-2 in the four games he missed entirely. The Mavericks lost their most recent game on Dec. 22 at Toronto after blowing a 30-point lead.

Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said there would be no restriction on minutes for Doncic.

“We’ll see how things go. With it being a national (television) game and longer timeouts, that helps. He practised (Tuesday) without issue.”