Luka Doncic had taken painkiller injection prior to Game 2 of the NBA Finals

Before Dallas Mavericks' Game 2 NBA Finals matchup against the Boston Celtics, Luka Doncic allegedly had an injection to ease some soreness. The Mavericks' head coach, Jason Kidd, asserts that Doncic hurt his chest in Game 1 while diving or chasing after a lost ball. 

Throughout the playoffs, Luka Doncic has had knee and ankle discomfort. He was demoted from probable to doubtful for Sunday's Game 2 due to the thoracic contusion. Before the pregame warm-ups, he was cleared to play.

Doncic initially looked unfazed by the injury, scoring 23 points in the first half of Game 2. He slowed in the second half, finishing with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. He also committed eight turnovers and failed to get in front of Boston ballhandlers on defence.

Boston Celtics extended their 54-51 halftime advantage to double digits before holding off a late Dallas surge in the 105-98 Game 2 victory. As per Yahoo Sports, “I feel good," Doncic told reporters Tuesday. "I don’t want to give any more details, but I feel good.”

Dallas Mavericks wants to win Game 3

On the afternoon of Game 2, Doncic was downgraded to doubtful and wasn't considered available until he finished his warm-up. He joined LeBron James (twice), Charles Barkley, and Jerry West as the only players with 30-point triple-doubles in Finals defeats. He played 42 minutes in the defeat, scoring 32 points, pulling down 11 rebounds, dishing out 11 assists, and stealing 4 steals.

Doncic has been battling with a sprained right knee since Dallas Mavericks' third game of the postseason, and he has stated that he does not expect the ailment to heal until he gets time to rest. Doncic's official injury report also lists left ankle pain since Game 3 of the second round.

Boston Celtics hold a 2-0 series lead after winning the first two games in Boston. According to reports, Doncic is expected to receive another injection before Wednesday's Game 3, as the Mavs aim to win their first game of the series. Doncic is labeled as a possibility for Wednesday's game.