Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles as LA Clippers guard Reggie Jackson (1) defends during Game 4 in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Luka Doncic downplays impact of neck strain on Game 4 performance

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic downplayed the impact of his neck strain on his performance in Sunday's 106-81 Game 4 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. 

"I don't think that matters right now," he said, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "We lost. Injuries are part of basketball, but I was 100 percent. I played terrible, so just gotta move on to next one."

The 22-year-old was limited to 19 points on 9-of-24 shooting in the loss. It was his worst performance of the postseason thus far. He averaged 38 points and nine assists while shooting 51.9% from the floor in the first three games of the series. 

Doncic began experiencing neck pain during Game 3, and the injury caused him to be listed as questionable for Game 4.

Luckily for Dallas, there are two days between games, so Doncic can rest before hopefully taking the court again for Game 5 on Wednesday.

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