LA Clippers Knocks Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks in Game 7
The Los Angeles Clippers escaped with a 126-111 win in a decisive Game 7 against the relentless Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon at Staples Center.
No Supporting Cast
Clippers' stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George extended the playoff life of their team as they delivered in the do-or-die Game 7. It is the first win for the home team in this series.
According to ESPN, second-year head coach of the LA Clippers coach, Ty Lue shared that when they started the season they already focused on the future and not looked back in the past. The Clippers became the fifth NBA team in playoff history to win a series after losing the first two home games.
Despite the 46 points, 14 assists, and 7 rebounds stat line of Dallas' superstar Luka Doncic, his 'Luka Magic' spell did not last until the second half of Game 7. Clippers' star Kawhi Leonard led the 24-4 run in the third period to steal the momentum in the do-or-die game.
Game 7 started as anybody's ballgame until the Clippers hit their shots everywhere on the floor in the third period.
Moreover, Leonard, who dropped 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists also found himself in a better position compared to Luka after getting help from his co-star Paul George who tallied 22 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds, the USA Today reported. Marcus Morris Sr. contributed 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, and a dagger beyond the arc to seal the deal at Game 7.
Both teams committed 21 personal fouls, but the LA Clippers translated the intensity of the game into an opportunity as they went perfect in the charity stripe. The Clippers ended the game 100% in the free throw line, making 24 of 24 shots.
Aside from their impressive performance at the free throw line, the Clippers also shot 46.5% beyond the arc, shooting 20 of 43 in the rainbow territory. While the Dallas Mavericks shot only 27.8, making only 10 triples in 36 attempts.
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Meanwhile, Doncic did everything he could to send the Clippers home with a performance that placed him as the youngest player in NBA history to average 35 points per game in a playoff series at 22. But his supporting cast did not arrive at the most important game of the series, The Dallas Morning News.
Luka only had Dorian Finney-Smith on his side with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. While the expected co-star of Luka, Kristaps Porzingis only delivered 16 points and 11 rebounds, a low contribution compared to PG13 throughout the series.
On the other hand, Clippers veteran forward Nicolas Batum shared that when they were down 30-11 in Game 3, he thought that they were one or two plays away from almost getting swept. But he mentioned that they suddenly found resiliency and toughness in them, as they believe that they are a good team.
Also, Clipper guard Reggie Jackson also emphasized that it is Kawhi who started everything for them.
The Clippers will be facing the top-seeded Utah Jazz in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs which will start on Tuesday, June 8.
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