Dallas Mavericks received some potentially devastating news after 110-107 loss to Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. The team’s starting center Dwight Powell was injured in the first quarter of the game, and it appears that he might miss the rest of the season.
According to several reports, Powell tore his right Achilles tendon and will require to undergo season-ending surgery.
“It’s a somber night with Dwight’s situation,” said Mavs’ head coach Rick Carlisle. “He’s going to have an MRI tomorrow. Right Achilles injury feared to be severe, but we won’t know for sure until the diagnostic tests are done. It’s a real tough one.”
Powell was one of the key contributors to Dallas Mavericks’ success this season thanks to his efficiency in pick-and-roll and excellent defending skills. He has been averaging 9.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game so far.
It is yet to be seen how Powell’s absence will affect Dallas’ attempt to make the playoffs, but his presence on the court will definitely be missed, according to his teammates.
“He means a lot, off the court and on the court,” said Mavs’ star Luka Doncic. “He gave us a lot. He’s a great guy. He doesn’t deserve this. He’s going to come back strong, though, for sure.”
Dwight Powell joined the Mavericks in 2014 as part of the trade that also brought Rajon Rondo to Dallas. Since then, he managed to work his way into an increased role each year, which resulted in getting Carlisle’s confidence as opening the season as a starting center for the first time in his career.
