Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks finally defeated the Clippers in the playoffs, 114-101, in Game 6 at American Airlines Center on Friday night.
For the first time in franchise history, Dallas has beaten the Clippers in a playoff series after failing to do so twice prior (2020, 2021). This is the first Game 6 Dallas has won against the Clippers.
The Mavs won the series 4-2 and will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round starting Tuesday night in OKC.
Luka Doncic, who added 28 points, seven rebounds, and 13 assists, is excited to finally beat the Clippers.
“I lost twice to them, so it was even bigger motivation to beat them,” he said. “They have a great team, and you have to work really hard to beat them. So, I am happy.”
This game was about another explosion from Kyrie Irving, who recorded a game-high 30 points to go along with six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks. The game was tied at 52 at the break. From there, Dallas took control as Irving scored 28 of his 30 points in the second half. The 28 points tied for the most points in the second half in his career.
Dallas started the third quarter on an 8-0 and took a 15-point lead into the fourth and never looked back.
Mavs coach Jason Kidd says this performance was typical of Irving.
“It was Kai-like (Kyrie Irving) there in the second half,” Kidd said. “I thought he was having a really good game, had some good looks there in the first half that just didn’t go down. But as we talked before the game, just his calmness, his energy is always positive in the locker room. Then there in the third, he got going and in the fourth, he kept going. That’s just the leadership and trust that the guys have on the floor with him.”
Doncic added on Irving: “He was trying to get going, and he said to me ‘I am going to get it going.’ Never in doubt with Kai (Kyrie Irving). [It’s] just amazing to see the kind of plays he makes.”
Irving is now 13-0 in closeout games in his career, and he discussed that after the win.
“When I hear 13-0, that’s not my full playoff record,” Irving said. “I’ve had my fair share of battles with my peers in this league. When I think about the 13-0 in closeout games in general, I just know we have to get there to that point to be able to be ready to have the other team submit. It’s one of the hardest things to do as a competitor: to have your opponent concede or submit.”
The Mavs have finally overcome the Clippers, and they are playing like one of the better teams in basketball. Defeating OKC will be challenging, but it’s hard to doubt Dallas based on how they’re playing.
Leave a Reply