Mavericks Maxi Kleber Suffers Full Right Shoulder Dislocation, Could Miss Rest of Playoffs
Dallas’ Forward Landed Awkwardly in a Hard-Fought Game 6 Against Los Angeles
Tough Loss
Dallas Mavericks reserve forward Maxi Kleber suffered a full right shoulder dislocation in the 114-101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 6 of their First Round series on Friday. The Mavericks won the series 4-2.
According to NBA news outlets, including a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Kleber will be out for a significant period, and possibly miss the rest of Dallas’ playoff run.
“Dallas Mavericks F/C Maxi Kleber has suffered a full dislocation of the AC joint in his right shoulder, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Kleber is out for a significant period, if not the entire postseason. Tough loss for Mavs’ frontcourt,” Charania posted on X.
Dallas Mavericks F/C Maxi Kleber has suffered a full dislocation of the AC joint in his right shoulder, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Kleber is out for a significant period of time, if not the entire postseason. Tough loss for Mavs’ frontcourt. pic.twitter.com/PlqcA8uylt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 4, 2024
Kleber suffered the injury when he was driving to the basket in the second quarter and got fouled by Clippers wing Amir Coffey. The 32-year-old then landed with all his weight on his right shoulder. The NBA rumors that surfaced after seeing his fall confirmed, the injury is serious.
Maxi Kleber suffered a fully dislocated AC joint on this play last night in GM 6 and will most likely be out for the remainder of the postseason, devastating development for the Mavericks #OneForDallas pic.twitter.com/K3KZlAW6Sc
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) May 4, 2024
Kleber’s Importance
The injury is a significant blow to the Mavericks’ depth, particularly in their frontcourt. It is also devastating for Kleber, as he was coming into his own in his latest NBA games.
Kleber’s performance on Wednesday’s must-win Game 5 in particular, was impressive and crucial for Dallas. The Maxi Kleber stats in that contest were phenomenal. He had 15 points and three rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench. Kleber was 5-of-7 from the field (all his attempts were from 3-point range), helping the Mavericks beat the Clippers 123-93 in Los Angeles and regain control of the series.
Maxi Kleber made 5 of his 7 three-point attempts last night
He’s now 9 for 15 in this first-round series, which is good for 60%
Playoff Maxi ☎️ #OneForDallas x @MaxiKleber pic.twitter.com/08AAt6MSlx
— All Things Mavs (@All_Things_Mavs) May 2, 2024
Kleber averaged 5.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 19.3 minutes off the bench in six playoff games. He shot 52.4% from the field and 55.6% from 3-point range. The German forward averaged 4.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 20.3 minutes over 43 regular season games (seven starts).
“Kleber’s versatility played an immense role for the Mavericks bench in first-round playoff victory over Clippers, and he made 10-of-18 three-pointers in the series while averaging almost 20 minutes per game,” Charania explained.
Kleber’s versatility played an immense role for the Mavericks bench in first-round playoff victory over Clippers, and he made 10-of-18 three-pointers in the series while averaging almost 20 minutes per game.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 4, 2024
What’s Next for the Mavericks?
It can’t be denied that the Mavericks will miss Kleber moving forward. They didn’t make the playoffs last year because the glue guys around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving didn’t step up. This year, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Kleber, and others, are taking pressure off Doncic and Irving. This allows them to focus on creating. As a result, the Mavericks look like serious NBA Championship contenders.
On to the next 🔒@ModeloUSA // #OneForDallas pic.twitter.com/4Y9FxWsnGU
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 4, 2024
A seven-year veteran, Kleber has played his entire career with the Maverick. Now he is ready to start the road to recovery and possibly be ready for next season.
As a result of Kleber’s injury, Derrick Jones Jr. and Josh Green will likely see increased roles, providing depth behind Washington at power forward. The Mavericks now face the young and talented Thunder, led by NBA MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Game 1 is on Tuesday at 9:30 PM ET at Paycom Center.
