In a tense matchup reminiscent of 90s Eastern Conference playoff games, the Mavericks and the Clippers battled it out, with Luka Doncic taking center stage. Despite a technical foul in the third quarter, Doncic turned up the heat in the fourth, making key plays and sinking crucial shots. His performance, along with solid contributions from Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington, helped the Mavericks secure a narrow 96-93 victory, tying the series 1-1.
The return of Kawhi Leonard for the Clippers wasn't enough to turn the tide. While Leonard made some defensive plays, his offense looked rusty, finishing with 13 points and going 0-of-5 from beyond the arc. Despite his efforts, the Clippers couldn't match the Mavericks' shooting prowess, particularly from the 3-point line, where Dallas shot 42.4% compared to the Clippers' 26.7%.
The game's turning point came in the middle of the fourth quarter when Dallas went on a 14-0 run, sparked by Doncic. The Clippers' defense faltered, allowing Doncic and his teammates to capitalize and take control of the game. Despite the loss, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praised his team's defensive effort, holding the Mavericks to 96 points, but emphasized the need for better offensive execution in Game 3.
As the series shifts to Dallas for Game 3, both teams will look to make adjustments. The Mavericks will aim to maintain their shooting efficiency and defensive intensity, while the Clippers will seek to find their rhythm on offense and contain Doncic's impact. With the series tied, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive matchup in Dallas.
Login