The Dallas Mavericks took down the LA Clippers 127-121 for their second consecutive win at Staples Center.
Tuesday’s first-round playoff matchup between the two teams was extra important for the Clippers as they wanted to avoid going down 0-2. However, they couldn’t stop the Mavs’ perimeter players.
Luka Doncic dominated the LA Clippers for the second straight game, putting up 39 points, seven rebounds and seven assists as the Dallas Mavericks head home with a 2-0 lead in the series.
Tim Hardaway backed up Doncic with a scintillating performance from three, hitting 6-of-8 from beyond the arc and 9-of-14 overall. The 6-foot-5 guard had 28 points and five assists.
Doncic and Hardaway were the catalysts in the improbable win. It was a nip-and-tuck affair in the first half and early in the third quarter. However, the Dallas Mavericks got their bearings back to take a 101-92 lead at the end of the quarter.
The LA Clippers were playing from behind throughout the fourth quarter. Though they made a short run in the final five minutes, the Dallas Mavericks found a way to get the victory in the end.
Kawhi Leonard had 41 points on 14-of-21 shooting, but the LA Clippers failed to capitalize on his hot hand in the fourth quarter. Paul George added 28 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
The Dallas Mavericks were determined not to let the LA Clippers get back into the series by playing to their strengths. Luka Doncic repeatedly found himself being guarded by the small but feisty Patrick Beverley.
Unfortunately for coach Tyronn Lue, the strategy didn't work as Doncic bullied Beverley. The mismatch played a huge part in the Clippers' loss.
Tim Hardaway Jr. provided backup firepower to Doncic as he scorched the nets for six threes. The Dallas Mavericks guard had 21 points in Game 1 with five three-pointers. He was the flamethrower for the Mavs in this game as his shot found the bottom of the net time and time again. The LA Clippers had no answer for him.
Hardaway hit his final three-pointer with 1:03 remaining when the LA Clippers were threatening to close the gap. He extended the Dallas Mavericks' lead to 123-116 with the clutch basket.
Former Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki was in the building and provided inspiration to the team with his mere presence.
Twitter was brutal to the LA Clippers after they seemingly tried to avoid the LA Lakers in their bracket by intentionally losing the last few games of their regular season.
Fans feasted on the Clippers' woes, mocking them for what they thought was a weak move by a title contender.
The LA Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks will meet for Game 3 at American Airlines Center on Friday in what will be a hotly contested match.
The Clippers will try to avoid an insurmountable 0-3 hole, while the Mavericks will be looking to put the hammer down on their opponent.
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