Paul George and James Harden propelled the Los Angeles Clippers to a crucial victory against the Dallas Mavericks, evening the first-round playoff series at 2-2 despite a formidable rally by the Mavericks.
PG DRILLS THE TOUGH 3… PUTS THE CLIPPERS BACK UP BY 2 ‼️
UNDER 2 MINUTES TO GO ON ABC 🍿 https://t.co/JTsucw3JIr pic.twitter.com/yv9BWoMcHi
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With Kawhi Leonard out due to knee inflammation, George and Harden each contributed 33 points in a game where the Clippers initially led by 31 points, but the Mavericks, led by Kyrie Irving, fought back. On the counterattack, the lead gradually shrank. Despite the tense outcome, the Clippers won 116-111.
“We knew they would make a run,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “But also, we didn’t think we’d come into this building and be up 31 points either. So I told our team, just get the win, however you’ve got to get it. In the playoffs, it don’t matter how you win.”
Irving’s 40-point performance for Dallas included a clutch layup, giving the Mavericks their first lead since the first quarter at 105-104 with 2:15 remaining. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic recorded his fourth career playoff triple-double, albeit while grappling with right knee soreness.
George and Harden proved instrumental in the Clippers’ success, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they combined for crucial plays to stave off the Mavericks’ comeback attempt.
The Clippers’ strong start, marked by a franchise playoff record for 3-pointers in a quarter, provided the foundation for their eventual victory. Despite the Mavericks’ valiant efforts to claw their way back into the game, the Clippers’ early dominance ultimately proved insurmountable.
Mavs coach Jason Kidd acknowledged his team’s slow start, emphasizing the need for improvement in future games, particularly in early afternoon matchups.
Despite falling short in Game 4, Irving highlighted the challenge posed by George and Harden in Leonard’s absence, underscoring the ongoing competitive nature of the series.
The evenly poised series between the Clippers and Mavericks promises further excitement as both teams vie for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
