LOS ANGELES – Playing on a sprang knee, Luka Doncic exploded against the Clippers in Los Angeles with 35 points and 10 assists, garnering a double-double as the Mavericks dominated on the road, defeating the Clippers 123-93.
In a pivotal game where either team could win homecourt advantage, the Mavericks fired on all cylinders, giving the Clippers the largest home loss in playoff history.
Playing with a sprung knee, Doncic dominated on the court; however, he went 2-of-8 on 3-point attempts.
But he scored 20 points in the paint, making 12 of his 18 attempts inside the arc.
“Obviously, my shooting is not great. Not even good. Very bad, actually,” Doncic said.
“I was just getting downhill. The first four 3s I took felt great, just didn’t go in, but my whole mentality was just getting downhill.”
Doncic’s co-star, Kyrie Irving, finished the game with just 14 points and 6 assists.
Clippers stars, Paul George and Ivica Zubac each finished with just 15 points, while James Hardin finished with only seven points.
The Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard, LA’s leading scorer.
Leonard has been sidelined with right knee inflammation at the most critical point in the season.
With homecourt advantage, game 6 is headed back to Dallas, where the Mavericks can close out the series.
If necessary, game 7 will be played in Los Angeles.
Travis Tyler