Dallas Mavericks Suffer Brutal Loss During Series Win Over Clippers

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04/05/2024 21:29

SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 25: Maxi Kleber #42, Luka Doncic #77, and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks look on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 25, 2023 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. (Photos by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks are going to be shorthanded for the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

On Friday night, Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber suffered a shoulder injury in Game 6 against the Clippers. He entered the locker room early and never returned.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the medical tests for Kleber showed that he has a full dislocation of the AC joint in his right shoulder.

"Kleber is out for a significant period of time, if not the entire postseason," Charania said. "Tough loss for Mavs' frontcourt."

Kleber, a sixth-year player from Germany, played a pivotal role for the Mavericks in the first round. In Game 5, he scored 15 points despite taking just seven shots.

With Kleber out for an extended period of time, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said his team will take on a "next man up" approach.

Kleber's injury should open the door for Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively III and P.J. Washington to receive more playing time than they already are. It's also possible Dwight Powell enters the team's playoff rotation for the Western Conference semifinals.

Game 1 between the Mavericks and Thunder is set for Tuesday. Tipoff will be at 9:30 p.m. ET.