Game 3 between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers was always going to be tense, as the two teams split their first two games.
The game was noticeable slower than the last, which the Mavericks won 124-117. The first quarter ended with a 23-23 tie.
The Clippers turned up the defense in the second quarter, though, forcing a number of key turnovers and getting much-needed fast break points from them. They kept the pressure up and by the end of the first half had built a 54-68 lead.
Kawhi Leonard (18 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST) was the best player on the floor in the first half. However, the Clippers spread the ball around well, with five other players scoring at least eight points, putting them on pace to have six in double figures for the games.
Kristaps Porzingins (12 PTS, 7 REB) and Luka Doncic (11 PTS, 4 REB, 7 AST) played decently in the first half, but there was little help from the rest of their team – a stark difference from their big win in Game 2.
The Mavericks couldn’t make a comeback in the second half, and their 130-122 loss was compounded by the fact that Doncic injured his left ankle. The Slovenian, who still finished with a triple-double, claimed it wasn’t so bad.
The player of the game was certainly Leonard (36 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST), but he had plenty of help as six other Clippers scored in double figures.
The Mavericks will be hoping Doncic can suit up and play well in a couple of days, but it’s going to be tough.
Other games
The Philadelphia 76ers are dead in the water after giving up a 3-0 series lead in a 102-94 loss to the Boston Celtics. They shot 29.5% from the field, and clearly have no one able to help Joel Embiid (30 PTS 13 REB). Kemba Walker (24 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST) and Jaylen Brown (21 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST) were the best players on the floor for the Celtics.
It’s not looking good for the Denver Nuggets, who have been blown out by the Utah Jazz for the second game in a row. It was much bigger embarrassment this time, as the final scoreline was 124-87. In their first appearance as a trio this year, Donovan Mitchell (20 PTS, 4 AST), Rudy Gobert (24 PTS, 14 REB) and Mike Conley Jr. (27 PTS, 4 AST), showed that they could a difficult three-headed beast for other teams to deal with.
The Toronto Raptors are cruising to the next round after beating the Brooklyn Nets 117-92 for the 3-0 series lead. Pascal Siakam (26 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST) led the way but had strong backup from Fred Van Vleet (22 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST) and a vintage Serge Ibaka (20 PTS, 13 REB).
