The Dallas Mavericks are one win away from their first postseason series victory since 2011 as they beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 105-100. The Clippers are now down 3-2 in the series after losing Game 5 of Mavs vs Clippers. They will need to win another road game to have to force a Game 7. 

Luka Doncic led by 42 points, and with a last-chance rebound from Tim Hardaway Jr., Mavs defeated the Clippers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday. For LA, Paul George led by 23 points.

Luka Doncic shines through injuries in Game 5 of Mavs vs Clippers

Dallas’ victory is all thanks to Luka Doncic, who gave another memorable performance to add to his long postseason resume. Despite his previous neck injury, Doncic nearly topped the playoff career-high 45 points he scored less than a week ago in Game 3. This is because he finished with 42 points on 17-of-37 shooting from the field and 6-of-12 from 3-point range, along with 14 assists.

Doncic set a career-high for most first-quarter points with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 from 3-point range. Moreover, he also became the second player in NBA history to have at least 42 points, 14 assists, and 8 rebounds in a playoff game. He holds this record with LeBron James. Another would be he became the first NBA player in the past 25 postseasons to have at least 40 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds through three quarters. 

Clippers’ balanced effort couldn’t stop Doncic

George led the attack for Los Angeles in the first quarter of Game 5 of Mavs vs Clippers. But, although he posted 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in front of 5 points from Reggie Jackson, there was a lack of enough support to keep pace with the Doncic-led Mavs. Stopping Doncic was just what the Clippers needed, and it became apparent in the second quarter when they went on a 9-2 run after Doncic was off the court.

Los Angeles managed to take the lead for the second quarter with the help of George and Kawhi Leonard, who both scored 11 points each. In the third period, it didn’t take long for other Clippers players to reach double figures. Jackson scored 20 points while Marcus Morris Sr. scored 16 points. This balanced effort gave them an edge. However, the Clippers soon fell apart after letting the Mavs go on a major run to close the third quarter and entered the fourth down by 14 points. They tried to rally back and nearly forced overtime by getting within three with a chance to tie in the final second. But, unfortunately, Leonard’s corner three was off the mark.

Watch game highlights below.

Game 6 of Mavs vs Clippers is scheduled for Friday, June 4 at 9:00 PM ET in Dallas.

—(Source: Bleacher Report)

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