What will happen next in the Mavs-Clippers series?
Last night, in Orlando, the Clippers and the Mavericks dueled in one of the greatest games in NBA Playoff history. At the score of 2-1 for the LA team, Luka Doncic played through a sore ankle and delivered an impressive all-around performance.
Clippers took advantage of Kristaps Porzingis’ absence and lead by as many as 21 points. However, their opponents fought back and took the lead in the second half of the game. The last minutes of the fourth quarter were like a ride in a rollercoaster, and the game needed overtime. With less than four seconds on the clock, Doncic got the ball and scored the buzzer-beater that won the match for his team. The final score was 135 to 133.
Let’s analyze a little bit of what happened so far. In Game 1, Porzingis got thrown out of the fight after getting his second technical foul. The Clippers took advantage of this and won the game, taking the lead in the series.
In Game 2, Doncic got very early in foul trouble, but the second unit of the Mavericks played courageously against the Clippers and tied the series. Even though Paul George didn’t play very well, the players coached by Doc Rivers won Game 3 after Doncic suffered an ankle sprain.
So, now, the series is tied: 2-2. Dallas Mavericks can shock the world and eliminate the Los Angeles Clippers if Kristaps Porzingis stays healthy and if their role players continue to play at a high level. On the other hand, if Paul George gets over the shooting slump, the Clippers are favorites. Also, let’s not forget that Patrick Beverley didn’t play in the last three games, so his defense could be a factor in the next duels.
Anyway, what’s for sure is that we will have at least two more games between the Clippers and the Mavs. This series has been one of the best, and it showed the greatness of Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard.
*photo: Ashley Landis/AP
