The LA Clippers faced off against the Dallas Mavericks in a game 7 in the first round of the playoffs. This series is the rematch of the 2020 NBA playoffs and is certainly a cracker of a matchup.
Coming into the playoffs, the Clippers were the dark horse contenders in the Western Conference. With superstars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George along with role players like Rajon Rondo, the Clippers were clear favorites in this matchup.
While the Mavericks were not as loaded, they had a generational talent in Luka Doncic who can single-handedly defeat teams. With the teams well matched for the first six games of the series, this game 7 was a must watch.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
LA Clippers defeat Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks
Given how high the stakes were in this elimination game, both the Mavs and the Clippers came out, all guns blazing. With Kawhi and Luka going at it in the offensive end, the Mavericks took a slender three point lead at the end of the first quarter.
While Doncic continued his phenomenal run in the second quarter ending the half with 29 points, his team was struggling to make shots. The Clippers on the other hand saw Paul George and Terrence Mann lead the team to a 8-point lead at the end of the half with a 70-62 scoreline.
The Mavs knew they had to make a comeback in the third and they certainly started the game in a perfect manner. Dallas eventually had a five point lead in the game halfway across the third quarter.
As it looked like the Clippers were slipping back yet again, Kawhi and Co. answered back in some style. Going on a 24-4 run, the Clippers took a commanding 15 point lead. There was no stopping them from then on. Shooting 46.5% from the three point line, the Clippers never let the Mavs make a comeback in this game.
With his teammates misfiring from the perimeter as well as missing free throws, Doncic’s 46-point performance was not enough for the Mavericks. This game 7 victory certainly helped the Clippers to solidify themselves as a contender and Kawhi and Co. will have to put up their best performance if they want to defeated the one-seeded Utah Jazz.
Twitter reacts to Kawhi & Co. defeating the Mavericks?
NBA twitter certainly went crazy after Kawhi Leonard and Paul George lead the Clippers past the Mavericks with a dominant 113-103 victory. While many congratulated the Clippers, some also hailed Luka Doncic’s heroic display.
The Clippers found their identity as of Game 6! No team in the league has played against THIS Clippers team. Kawhi has drawn a line in the sand that says ITS ON ME. Not PG, not Ty Lue or Steve Balmer’s check book! Dominance on both ends and no 1 will have an answer. Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) June 6, 2021
Kawhi and the Clippers after sending the Mavs home pic.twitter.com/0WKqATvi4S
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 6, 2021
PG showed love to Luka after the Clippers-Mavs series ended 🤝 pic.twitter.com/1rqdZkJ2Ev
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 6, 2021
A new Playoff P was created in Game 7 and he’s on the Mavs not Clippers pic.twitter.com/gcz6tYJi3w
— 10k𖤐 (@10kvibin) June 6, 2021
Nothing but respect between the Clippers and Mavs after a hard fought 7 game series. pic.twitter.com/Emo38IdmHG
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) June 6, 2021
I told everyone clippers were going to beat the Mavs. Shoutout to everyone that was in my messages when we was down 0-2 and 3-2 😭😭😭😭
— CryptoMania (@TellEmLou) June 6, 2021
Luka Doncic today:
46 Points
14 Assists
7 Rebounds
56% FGSuperstar. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/qLERaSiFyj
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 6, 2021
The Clippers just won the series, and neither they or any of their players are trending in the United States.
After each loss, the Clippers were the #1 trending topic in the country.
Where y’all at? pic.twitter.com/h6QawCwQbW
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) June 6, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Talk to ’em, Reggie. 🗣 pic.twitter.com/KlgjlEpTV0
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 6, 2021
The Mavericks lost to the Clippers, but what an incredible showing from Luka Doncic.
In this series, the 22-year-old averaged 35.7 points, 10.3 assists, 8.1 rebounds, 4.4 threes and 1.3 steals, while shooting 49% from the field and 40.8% from three-point range. pic.twitter.com/BgJjDP6l2s
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 6, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While the Clippers advance to the second round, they will face a Utah Jazz team who are performing at their best. Can the LA Clippers continue this form against the one-seeded Utah Jazz?