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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

For the LA Clippers to fight back the way they have, the Dallas Mavericks need to be extremely worried. Despite having a commanding lead in the series and winning two of the first games straight, the Mavs slipped. They let the Clippers come and tie the series. However, what we’ve all learned is not to take the Mavericks lightly. As long as they have Luka Doncic, anything is possible.

Luka Doncic carries team to another victory

It seemed like the LA Clippers found a loophole that helped them catch up to the Mavericks. Well, that’s right. They exploited the Mavericks’ defense and managed to win games back to back, keeping themselves alive in the series. They crushed Dallas with their last 105-81 victory, but Game 5 was Doncic’s time to shine.

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In game 5, Luka Doncic seemed to be carrying the team on his back. His supporting cast failed to back him up and even Kristaps Porzingis didn’t step up when needed.

But that didn’t seem to matter. Something took over him, and while they were trailing in the third quarter, Doncic kept on adding buckets and landed them with a double-digit lead over the Clippers.

He had a whopping 42 points, 14 assists, and 8 rebounds. This came along with Tim Hardaway’s 20 points, who was the only other good scorer for the Mavs in this game.

However, the Clippers didn’t start off brilliantly either. But what was keeping them afloat was the number of free throws they got and out-rebounding the Mavericks.

In fact, the Clippers fought back vigorously and reduced the deficit drastically. But they still couldn’t match up to Doncic’s energy and relentless desire to win. Let’s look at what Twitter is saying about this intense tug of war of a game.

WATCH THIS STORY: Moments When LeBron James’ Legacy Was on The Line But he Fought Back

Can the Dallas Mavericks finish off the series?

Many people thought that Dallas was done, and it won’t be long before the Clippers moved to the second round of the playoffs. But Doncic proved everyone wrong.

He reminded them why the 22-year-old is considered one of the best players in the league and why he deserved to be in the MVP conversation as well.

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The Dallas Mavericks did it once and can do it again. They did have a 2-0 lead against LA and only if Doncic gives another incredible performance, they can put the Clippers out of their misery. It was game over at 105-100.

USA Today via Reuters

However, the only concern is that Luka is facing a neck injury which could restrain him from playing at his peak level. Not only does the supporting cast have to step up, but they also have to take their defense up a notch if they want to maintain their winning momentum.

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Will the Clippers drag this to Game 7? Or will Dallas finally be the ones to go ahead in the postseason?

READ MORE: Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal Lauds Mavericks Superstar Luka Doncic for Playing Against the Clippers Despite Being Injured