In the wake of Paul George (25 points, 9 rebounds) and Terance Mann (17 points), the Clippers start this meeting with a bang. However, in “back-to-back”, they attacked the Mavs racket and scored 20 of their 29 points in the first quarter (29-18). Los Angeles continues to undermine the Dallas defense and Norman Powell (15 points) increases the gap to +18 (46-28). It takes 17 points from Luka Doncic (30 points, 4 assists) in the second quarter for the Mavs to limit the damage (56-45).
Returning from the locker room, the Clippers continue their festival. Paul George and James Harden (8 points, 7 assists) started the second half with an 18-5 (74-50). Despite the awakening of Kyrie Irving (26 points, 6 rebounds) to support Luka Doncic, the Mavs are still far from the mark before the last quarter (79-62).
Tim Hardaway Jr (12 points) and Kyrie Irving brought Dallas back to -13 several times, but 12 points from Russell Westbrook (14 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) allowed the Clippers to finish the job without trembling.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Undivided domination of the Clippers inside. Since the Mavericks’ interior three, Grant Williams, Richaun Holmes and Dwight Powell, are not known for protecting the rim and the exteriors are not known for their defensive prowess, the Clippers had a field day all evening. They attacked the circle relentlessly and without much resistance from their opponent. They finished the game with a 54-32 advantage in the paint, generating 25 assists for just 12 turnovers.
– Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, too lonely. At halftime, the two Dallas stars had scored 34 of their team’s 45 points at 52% success. Their teammates did not have the same efficiency, scoring only 11 points at 16%! The second half was of the same ilk. With the exception of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, only Tim Hardaway Jr (12 points) exceeded six points for Dallas…
– The awakening of Russell Westbrook. The scenario of the meeting, with a large lead from the first quarter, allowed Tyronn Lue to revive Russell Westbrook. Now a substitute, the 2017 MVP was the boss of the last quarter to resist the Clippers’ comeback attempts.
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.
