The Keys To Winning The Series Without Kawhi Leonard
The Dallas Mavericks head back to Los Angeles for a critical Game 5 against the Clippers where a banged up Luka Doncic is still searching for a signature performanceDALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks enter a new month facing their biggest challenge yet as they look to finally crush a longtime playoff rival while trying to survive the attrition of a long NBA season.
When an NBA series is tied 2-2 the winner of game 5 historically goes on to win the series 82% of the time…After splitting the first two games in L.A, Dallas looked its playoff best in their Game 3 win where their defense kept Clippers stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard limited to a combined 16 points. Game 4 was Dallas’ shot to shut the door at home but it merely brought drama from the other end.
With Doncic clearly ailing from a sprained knee, Kyrie Irving nearly weaved a remarkable Mavs comeback. Irving shot 50% from deep and was Dallas's leading scorer with 40, a herculean feat considering he didn’t score his first points of the game until the second quarter. Irving scored 16 in the 2nd, 10 in the 3rd, and 14 in the 4th as Dallas overcame a 31-point first half deficit to take a late lead before falling 116-111 as the series evened at two wins a piece.
Dallas can make that trip to their neighboring state as this still feels like a winnable series despite the nagging injury to Doncic. The Irving trade was cemented as worth it a long time ago, but having a reliable superstar option to pick up when Doncic is down has saved the Mavs playoff hopes. The issue for Dallas is that while the Clippers are down a superstar, their remaining two are no longer acquiescing to him, allowing them to play to their strengths.
Irving and Doncic are the main reason that the Mavs have gotten to this point, but Doncic is clearly hurt and is having a miserable series by his lofty standards, a surreal thought for a player averaging 29 points and nearly 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Series field goal averages of 38% from the floor and 26% from deep sting when remembering that Doncic had the best long-range season of his career at nearly 39% and won the NBA scoring title.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Clippers' Paul George, Terance Mann Talk Defending Dallas Mavericks' Luka DoncicThe two Clippers starters discussed the challenges of defending Doncic on the latest episode of George's podcast
Baca lebih lajut »
Luka Doncic Battles Knee Injury as Dallas Mavericks for Decisive Game 5 Against ClippersLuka Doncic pushes through injury in a critical Game 5 as the Dallas Mavericks face the Los Angeles Clippers.
Baca lebih lajut »
Dallas Mavericks Reveal New Luka Doncic Injury Update Before Game 5Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has a knee sprain
Baca lebih lajut »
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic Knee Injury Update Before Game 5 vs. ClippersDallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is considered probable to play Game 5 against the Los Angeles Clippers as he manages a right knee sprain.
Baca lebih lajut »
Kyrie Irving Remains Highly Confident in Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic Against ClippersKyrie Irving stays positive about the Dallas Mavericks' chances with Luka Doncic and the team in the playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Baca lebih lajut »
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic Feels He's 'Letting Down' Kyrie Irving Against ClippersKyrie Irving scores 40 in a fierce comeback, yet Luka Doncic cites his own struggles in the Mavericks' 116-111 loss to the LA Clippers in Game 4.
Baca lebih lajut »