LOS ANGELES — Here are five thoughts on the Mavericks' 123-93 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5 of the first round of their playoff series. The statement win gave Dallas a commanding 3-2 lead heading into Game 6 on Friday night in Dallas.
How was Luka Doncic faring when he was limping and not feeling well?
Doncic told reporters after Wednesday's shootaround that he wouldn't play with a sprained right knee if it were a regular-season game. Now, despite the pain and congestion over the past few days, Doncic has done well and increased his overall offensive efficiency. He seemed to be moving just fine and was very efficient inside the 3-point line. He connected on step-back midrange jumpers and did a good job absorbing contact as he finished at the rim.
Doncic struggled from beyond the arc, missing six of eight 3-pointers. After a series of quick dribbles, he beamed after completing his seventh attempt, a step-back. He still finished with 35 points on 14-of-26 shooting, seven rebounds, and 10 assists.
Doncic and the rest of the Mavericks are one win away from advancing to the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder, avenging their previous two playoff losses to the Clippers in 2020 and 2021.
Irving's early aggression
The theme of this first round series was Kyrie Irving scoring a lot in the first quarter, then heating up in the second half of the game. After yielding to Doncic in the first quarter of the past four games, Irving tried to set the tone early. He scored the first score of the game, which was a good sign for the Mavericks, as the Clippers were forced to send multiple defenders at him.
Irving only scored four points in the first quarter, but his early aggressiveness gave the Mavericks offensive versatility. He had six assists and 14 points, eight of which came in the second half.
His most memorable play began with a steal of Clippers guard James Harden, a crossover and behind-the-back dribble that took the ball coast-to-coast, and then a layup off contact. Ta. He interrupted his movements with passionate cries to celebrate the luxurious bucket.
The Mavericks didn't need him to score 40 points this time, but Irving's early aggressiveness helped more than the box score made clear.
Rob's return
Irving's early aggressiveness created lob opportunities for the Mavericks. LA's big men had to commit to Irving's ability to score inside, leaving him with an alley-oop opportunity. He was the perfect addition to a Mavericks offense that can be isolated at times.
Late in the third quarter, Doncic dribbled into the paint and lobbed the ball to Derek Lively II, who finished with eight points and six rebounds.
Lob efficiency usually translates into good results for Dallas. If the Mavericks continue to have success across the board, the series could end on Friday.
Clippers star players struggle
Paul George and James Harden led the Clippers to victory without Kawhi Leonard in Game 4. On Wednesday, the duo struggled offensively, totaling just 22 points. George made seven 3-pointers Sunday. The Mavericks held him to just two 3-pointers in Game 5, both of which came late in the first half.
Harden had just one triple on the night, going 2-for-12 at bat. The floater he used to close out Game 4 wasn't there Wednesday. Since Dallas made the 3-point shot, they had several chances to make it, but couldn't make it.
Kleber, X Factor
The Mavericks needed an additional scorer beyond Irving and Doncic to pull away from the Clippers. On Wednesday, the X Factor title went to Maxi Clever. He hit five triples in the first half and helped the Mavericks pull away.
Kleber's first 3-point shot was short, but he found his rhythm soon after. The Mavericks veteran is the only center on the roster who has proven he can spread the floor with perimeter shooting. Kidd often used him alongside Lively and Gafford to give the Mavericks a size advantage.
Time will tell if Clever can continue his hot shooting, but for one night it was enough to give Dallas control of the series.
Twitter/X: @MikeAcurtis2
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