Luka Doncic shines as the Dallas Mavericks defeat the Los Angeles Clippers.Minnesota Timberwolves defeat Phoenix Suns

Luka Doncic scored 32 points as the Dallas Mavericks cruised to a series-tying 96-93 road victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday in a tense NBA Western Conference playoff game. .

Slovenian star Doncic combined with Kyrie Irving for 55 points to ensure Dallas returns to Texas with honors despite losing 1-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Doncic and Irving formed a sublime double act in a hard-fought fourth quarter, capping a decisive 14-0 run that effectively took the game away from the Clippers, who beat Dallas 109-97 in Game 1 on Sunday. I directed it.

The Clippers trailed for much of the game, but opened up a six-point lead early in the fourth quarter and threatened to steal another valuable home victory.

But thanks to Doncic and Irving, the Mavs regained control and set up a well-deserved victory.

Doncic had 32 points, nine assists and six rebounds, while Irving contributed 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.

“We had to make some noise in the second game, but the first game wasn't our best game,” Doncic said.

“So we had to come here and prove that we can play with them,” Doncic added, praising Irving's contributions.

“It's great to have him on our team. It really helps. He's a great guy and I'm really happy to have him here,” Doncic said.

The Clippers were led in scoring by James Harden and Paul George, who each scored 22 points.

In other playoff action, Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Phoenix Suns, 105-93, taking a 2-0 series lead. Indiana defeated Milwaukee 125-108, making the No. 7 matchup 1-1.

McDaniels led a balanced Minnesota offense that had all five starters finish in double digits as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference came within two wins of winning the series.

But it was the Timberwolves' defense that turned the game in the home team's favor, shutting down Phoenix in the second half and frustrate Suns stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

“A unique player”

Phoenix's rough night ended with Booker fouling out in the fourth quarter, while the Suns also had injuries, with Grayson Allen limping off with a twisted ankle in the third quarter.

The Timberwolves held the Phoenix offense to just 42 points in the second half and will enter Friday's Game 3 full of confidence.

Minnesota scored 31 points off Phoenix's 20 turnovers, while the Suns were held to just two points off the Timberwolves' 14 turnovers throughout the game.

“We've had that problem all year long in taking care of the basketball, and we had it again tonight,” Phoenix coach Frank Vogel said.

McDaniels led the home team in scoring with 25 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley each added 18 points.

Anthony Edwards had 15 points, eight assists and three rebounds, and Karl-Anthony Towns had 12 points.

“We have a lot of guys who can put the ball in the basket. We're really making the right plays right now,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch said.

In Milwaukee, Pascal Siakam scored 37 points and led the Pacers to an impressive series-tying victory over the Bucks.

Siakam had 11 rebounds and six assists, Myles Turner had 22 rebounds and Andrew Nembhard had 20 rebounds, giving the Pacers a deserved victory.

“He doesn't falter at all. He plays at his own pace. He was great tonight,” Pacers manager Rick Carlisle said of Siakam.

“He's a unique player. His experience shows and he made a lot of big, big plays for us tonight…His experience in the playoffs is invaluable.”

Milwaukee got off to a bright start, with Damian Lillard once again doing the bulk of the scoring in the absence of the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo.

However, Lillard's 34 points weren't enough to keep the Pacers nearly even. Indiana University took the lead just before halftime and finally pulled away in the fourth quarter, leading by 23 points at one point.

“Give them credit, their pressure forced us to make some tough shots,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said.

“They pushed us around. I thought they were the more physical team tonight.”

Game 3 of the series will be played Friday in Indianapolis.