SUMMARY
- The Dallas Mavericks just tied the series against the Los Angeles Clippers 1-1.
- Luka Doncic was the star of the night vs the Clippers, scoring 32 points.
The Dallas Mavericks just beat the Los Angeles Clippers 96-93 in Game 2. The Clippers took Game 1 after a sensational outing from James Harden and Ivica Zubac. They managed to beat the Mavs despite shooting 20 fewer free throws in that game. However, the story was completely different in Game 2. The Clippers lost a commanding lead, as Luka Doncic produced a bit of magic in the fourth quarter to tie the score.
After the game, Kyrie spoke about the Mavericks‘ defense. It must be mentioned that they did a fantastic job of keeping a team like the Clippers at bay and restricting them to just 93 points. Even Kawhi Leonard’s comeback was not enough for the LA-based franchise to go up 2-0.
Vintage Playoff Kyrie Andrew Irving, welcome to the Mavericks.
23 PTS
8/18 FG
50% 3PM
6 REB
3 STEALS #MFFL
pic.twitter.com/4GuHhsMUre— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) April 24, 2024
Kyrie said, “Focusing on our game plan and staying poised, doing the little things, you see that Maxi rebound down the stretch, I missed the free throw, gotta be better but that’s what the team game is about. Teams win championships, teams win games, it’s all about us doing the right things and continuing to positively encourage one another.”
That’s TUFFFFF 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XapyRqlpT7
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) April 24, 2024
As Kyrie mentions, many NBA personalities have mentioned that teamwork is the key to winning rings. Every title-winning team has personalities that step up for each other regardless of how they perform, and that’s what happened with the Mavs. When Kyrie missed a clutch free-throw, Maxi Kleber managed to grab the offensive rebound as he was the quickest to react to something that happens so rarely to a player of Kyrie’s caliber.
Luka Doncic heaps praise on Kyrie Irving after 23-point game vs Clippers
Luka and Kyrie were the standout players against the Clippers. The Slovenian made 32 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds and shot 11-26. Kyrie, on the other hand, scored 23 points, 3 assists, and 6 rebounds. That included an impressive three-pointer when Luka got the double team from James Harden and Russell Westbrook during the game as well.
Luka Doncic on Kyrie Irving:
“Amazing. It’s tough for them. They double a couple times, Kai got open, so it’s tough to cover us both…It’s amazing having him on our team. He just helps me a lot, so much. Great guy and just happy that he’s here.” pic.twitter.com/pAfitYbWQm
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) April 24, 2024
Speaking after the game, Luka said about Kyrie, “Amazing. It’s tough for them. They double a couple times, Kai got open, so it’s tough to cover us both…It’s amazing having him on our team. He just helps me a lot, so much. Great guy and just happy that he’s here.” Kyrie and Luka seem to be understanding each other’s position well on the court, which is translating in some exceptional offensive play.
Luka Doncic joins Michael Jordan in an exclusive club
Michael Jordan was a different animal during his prime. And when the Chicago Bulls won their first-ever NBA title, His Airness averaged 30+ points, 5+ assists, and 5+ rebounds. Until now, he was the only player to average those ridiculous numbers in the playoffs. But after the Mavs’ recent win against the Clippers, Luka has now joined him in the club as well.
Players to average 30/5/5 in the playoffs:
Michael Jordan
Luka DoncicThat’s the list. pic.twitter.com/Nr7avKmsgK
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 24, 2024
Luka has been having an exceptional season so far, and the Mavs look solid at both offense and defense. They need to keep their feet on the gas if they want to have a chance to go all the way. With that said it will be interesting to watch how the Clippers come for the Mavericks in Game 3 now that they have Kawhi back.