Maxi Kleber of the Dallas Mavs is out for the rest of the playoffs

Tough break for the Dallas Mavericks as their big man, Maxi Kleber, suffered a full shoulder dislocation during Friday night's Game 6 win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that the injury could sideline Kleber for a substantial period, potentially ending his postseason campaign.

The injury occurred in a dramatic moment when Kleber drove to the basket in the second quarter, was fouled by Clippers' Amir Coffey, and took a hard fall, landing squarely on his shoulder. This painful incident has major implications for both Kleber and the Mavericks' playoff aspirations.

Kleber, who had previously missed a significant chunk of the season due to a dislocated toe, has been pivotal for Dallas, especially known for his defensive prowess and versatility in the lineup. He had been particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of 18 attempts from three-point range in the first round against the Clippers. His contribution off the bench was notable, averaging 5.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in about 19.3 minutes per game.


This setback is a brutal blow for Kleber, who was just hitting his stride this postseason. The Mavericks will now have to face their next challenge against Oklahoma City without one of their key defenders. After shooting his free throws post-injury, Kleber left the game shortly after, a testament to his grit but also a stark indicator of the severity of his injury. As Dallas gears up for more tough games ahead, Kleber's presence on the court will be sorely missed.

Source ESPN: Sources: Mavericks' Maxi Kleber (AC joint) out indefinitely
Source SI: Mavericks' Maxi Kleber Suffered Full Shoulder Dislocation, per Report