The superstar guard is dealing with an injury that will leave him out indefinitely, making it a crucial stretch. During the stretch without Doncic, players like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson are going to be crucial.

Kyrie Irving has been downgraded to out for the team’s final game of 2024 because of right shoulder soreness. Monday’s game marks Irving’s fourth absence of the season because of right shoulder soreness. Dallas is 1-2 in games without Irving.

Kyrie Irving scored 20 points, Daniel Gafford added 16 and the Dallas Mavericks won their first game since star Luka Doncic was injured, beating the Phoenix Suns 98-89.