Clippers Secure Crucial Victory
The Clippers clinched a thrilling victory in the absence of their star player Kawhi Leonard, avoiding the Mavericks from taking a commanding lead at home. Despite the Clippers leading by as much as 31 points in the first half, they relied on stellar performances from George and Harden to secure the win.
George and Harden Shine
In the fourth game against the Mavericks, Paul George bounced back from a disappointing 7-point performance in the previous game by sinking 7 three-pointers on the road. Teaming up with James Harden, the duo stepped up in crucial moments, helping the Clippers secure a 116-111 victory to tie the series at 2-2.
Dominant First Half
George kicked off the game with 3 three-pointers in the first quarter, scoring 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting. The Clippers as a team hit 8 three-pointers in the first quarter alone, establishing a commanding 39-16 lead. With Harden’s hot shooting in the second quarter, the Clippers extended their lead to 66-49 at halftime.
Mavericks Fight Back
In the second half, Irving and Doncic led the Mavericks’ comeback efforts, scoring a combined 18 points in the third quarter. The Clippers, however, struggled offensively in the third quarter, scoring only 16 points. Going into the fourth quarter, the game was neck and neck, with the Mavericks trailing by just 4 points.
Key Moments
With 2 minutes and 15 seconds left in the game, Irving’s layup gave the Mavericks a 105-104 lead. However, George responded with a crucial three-pointer to regain the lead for the Clippers. Harden’s 15 points in the final quarter also played a pivotal role in the Clippers’ victory.
High Three-Point Shooting
The Clippers shot an impressive 62.1% from beyond the arc in this game. Harden finished with 33 points and 7 assists, while George contributed 33 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals. For the Mavericks, Irving led with 40 points, while Doncic recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, the lack of bench firepower, with only 13 points, ultimately led to their 5-point loss. (55BMW)