The Mavericks have their sights set on a return to the NBA Finals, but it's going to be a long trek to get back there. And Luka Doncic is absolutely essential to that journey.

That's why Dallas held its breath when the face of the franchise went down in significant pain after a collision with Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels on Tuesday night.

Doncic was playing the second game of a back-to-back when he got hurt — and the first game had been uncharacteristic for the perennial All-Star. He scored 15 points on just 5-of-22 shooting against the Jazz on Monday, though the Mavericks were still able to gut out a win.

Here are the latest updates on Doncic's status after he went back to the locker room on Tuesday.

Luka Doncic injury update

Doncic appeared to be in serious pain after McDaniels' knee collided with the back of the Mavericks star's leg. Doncic grabbed at the back of his knee and needed to be helped back to the locker room by teammate Markieff Morris.

Despite struggling to put weight on his leg as he made his way off the court initially, Doncic returned for the start of the second half. He came out with the rest of his teammates before halftime, stretched and got some warmup shots up before starting the half.

The Mavericks were able to breathe a sigh of relief with Doncic back on the floor, though he had a wrap on his knee when he did return to the game.

While Doncic's efficiency hasn't been ideal early in the season, the Mavericks know exactly what they're going to get out of their star over the course of a full season, and they also know how essential he is to their hopes of finishing near the top of the West.

Dallas' next game comes Thursday night against the Rockets. Considering how early in the season it is, Doncic's status will be worth watching if he's not 100%.