In a gritty defensive battle, the Dallas Mavericks secured a pivotal 101-90 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, taking a 2-1 lead in the first-round playoff series.
Led by Luka Doncic’s all-around performance and Kyrie Irving’s clutch scoring, the Mavericks outlasted the Clippers in a physical encounter.
Doncic finished the game with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, narrowly missing out on a triple-double. Despite struggling with his shooting, the Slovenian superstar made significant contributions on both ends of the floor, leading the Mavericks to victory.
Irving, who battled foul trouble in the second half, erupted for 19 of his 21 points in the final 13-plus minutes of the game. His scoring outburst in the crucial moments helped Dallas rebuild a double-digit lead and fend off a late comeback attempt by the Clippers.
The Mavericks relied on their stout defense to stifle the Clippers’ potent offense, limiting James Harden, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard.
Despite a valiant effort from Harden, who scored 21 points, the Clippers struggled to find consistent scoring options, with George (7 points) and Leonard (9 points) failing to make a significant impact.
The game took a physical turn in the fourth quarter, with tensions escalating between both teams. Russell Westbrook’s altercation with Doncic led to ejections for both players, further intensifying the heated matchup between the Mavericks and the Clippers.
As the series shifts to Dallas for Game 4, the Mavericks hold a crucial advantage with a 2-1 lead. With momentum on their side, Dallas will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and secure another victory against a resilient Clippers team.
