One of the difference makers for the Dallas Mavericks in their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers was Maxi Kleber. Dallas defeated Los Angeles in six games, advancing to take on the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
Unfortunately for the Mavericks, in the final game on Friday night, Kleber suffered an injury. While driving to the basket in the second quarter, Kleber rose up for a layup. Amir Coffee of the Clippers was caught in between taking a charge and protecting himself, as he put his arms out and made contact with Kleber.
Unable to brace himself as he was falling to the floor, Kleber hit the ground very hard. Visibly in pain, the Mavericks called a timeout so that he could gather himself and shoot the free throws. Had he not shot the free throws, he could not return to the game.
Ultimately, it did not matter as Kleber left the game at the next dead ball. He went straight to the locker room and the update the Dallas Mavericks have provided isn’t a great one. According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Kleber is dealing with a third-degree separation of the AC joint of his right shoulder.
Some sources believe this injury could keep him sidelined for the remainder of the Dallas Mavericks, playoff run. This is a brutal blow for Kleber and the team, as he is a versatile piece of their frontcourt rotation.
Kleber shot 10-of-18 from 3-point range against the Clippers and is key to the team’s defensive game plan with his ability to play either frontcourt spot. He will certainly be missed against the Thunder and for however long the team remains in the playoffs for.
Injuries have been a deterrent for Maxi Kleber this season. He missed a majority of the first half of the season because of a dislocated toe. Without him in the lineup, the Dallas Mavericks could turn to veteran Dwight Powell. Rookie Dereck Lively II could also see an increase in minutes.
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