Mavs Punch Ticket to Second Round as Doncic, Irving Star in Game 6
Luka Doncic battled through a knee injury and Kyrie Irving shouldered a heavy defensive load, but together they sparked a second-half surge that propelled the Dallas Mavericks to a 114–101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series.
Doncic finished with a well-rounded performance of 28 points and 13 assists, despite struggling with his shot throughout the game. Irving came alive after halftime, scoring 28 of his 30 points to lead the Mavericks’ decisive run.
This win marks a significant achievement for Doncic. With Irving by his side, he finally conquered the Clippers in a Dallas Game 6, a feat that eluded him three years prior. The victory propels the Mavericks to the Western Conference Semifinals where they’ll face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
“We push each other off the court to be better,” Irving said about their chemistry. “When we get on the court it’s just like synchronicity. It feels good.”
Irving’s defensive efforts on James Harden in the first half were crucial. Harden, a prolific scorer, was held to just two points on a paltry six shots.
The turning point came in the third quarter, mirroring the strategy that secured their Game 5 win. Irving opened the half with a layup, followed by a Doncic three-pointer that snapped his first-half shooting slump. The Mavericks outscored the Clippers 35–20 in the third, building a substantial lead that they maintained throughout the final period.
Doncic, hampered by his knee and recent illness, shot only 9 for 26 from the field. However, his playmaking with 13 assists kept the offense flowing. Irving, on the other hand, caught fire in the second half, shooting 10 for 13 from the field.
“Terrible, man. I need some rest,” Doncic quipped before leaving a post-game interview, likely looking forward to the upcoming three-day break.
This win reignites hope for the Mavericks to replicate Doncic’s impressive 2022 playoff run, where they reached the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Golden State Warriors.
Other key contributors for the Mavericks included P.J. Washington with his clutch three-pointers and Daniel Gafford’s dominance in the paint. Both were impactful acquisitions at the trade deadline, solidifying the team’s defense and providing offensive firepower.
The loss marks a disappointing end to the Clippers’ season, their second consecutive first-round exit despite acquiring James Harden earlier this year. Exhaustion seemed to be a factor, as several Clippers players logged significant minutes in the first half to stay in the game.
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