Now orphaned by Kawhi Leonard for an indefinite period, the Clippers could not let themselves be defeated, because at 1-2 in the series, they had to win in Texas to avoid seeing the Mavericks fly away to score.
Mission accomplished (116-111), because Paul George (33 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals) and James Harden (33 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds) pulled out all the stops to Los Angelesin order to resist Kyrie Irving (40 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) and Luka Doncic (29 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) side Dallas. Here the two teams are tied again in this undecided first round!
The big scare for the Clippers
The first half is one-sided. Like James Harden (4/4) and especially Paul George (6/9), the Clippers rain 3-point baskets (14) on the Mavericks defense, which is far too permissive. Mavs who, apart from Luka Doncic then Kyrie Irving, experience a delay in ignition and achieve nothing in attack, losing several precious balls as a bonus, while they nevertheless offer themselves second chances. Obviously, Los Angeles' advantage climbs very, very quickly: +10, +20 and even +30! Before gradually going down, thanks in particular to the efforts of Irving for Dallas (66-49).
Surprisingly but not too much, because it ultimately follows the trend at the end of the first period, the Mavericks come back strong from the locker room and, carried by the activity of Derrick Jones Jr. and Derek Lively II, as well as the talent of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, they continue to catch up. Still dominating on the rebound, causing fouls and limiting their ball losses, while the Clippers liquefy in attack, and in particular at 3-points, Paul George and James Harden disappearing from the radars. The gap continues to narrow and the public becomes heated again (82-78).
Jostled but not panicked, the Los Angeles players stayed the course as best they could, relying on the valuable Norman Powell and Mason Plumlee. Dallas is losing its luster and it is therefore the status quo on the scoreboard, despite Kyrie Irving. Until three 3-point actions reset the counters to zero five minutes from time (100-100). Moment chosen by Kyrie Irving and James Harden to engage in a Dantesque duel at mid-distance and near the circle, from which Harden emerges victorious, with the help of Paul George behind the arc (116-111). It was complicated, but the Clippers held on!
TO REMEMBER
– Paul George and James Harden take responsibility. Kawhi Leonard on the sidelines and the Clippers at 1-2, it was necessary for the George/Harden duo to hold their ground to aim for an equalizer in the series. Without hiding, the two bosses of Los Angeles therefore planted more than half of their team's points, first showing themselves decisive to widen the gap in the first half, with 3-pointers, then regaining their superb in the “money-time” to finish off these very threatening Mavericks, with penetrations and free throws. A performance worthy of the multiple All-Stars that they are.
– Dallas is close to the “comeback” of the year. At -31 in the middle of the second quarter, the Mavericks were experiencing another complicated Sunday, a week after their defeat in Game 1. Like seven days ago, it took them a few minutes to get going and, this time Here, they managed to really shake the Clippers. By taking back full control in the fourth quarter! Except that it wasn't enough and the Texan players generally ended up on the knees, apart from Kyrie Irving at the top of his game. Luka Doncic's knee will also need to be monitored, because it bothers him quite a bit…
– No Kawhi, no problem ? For the record, we see that the Clippers won their two games without Kawhi Leonard and that they lost their two games with him. Proof that it is better for them not to force with their star, because they are entirely capable of competing with the Mavericks without him?
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
