The LA Clippers shook off their previous loss and responded with a statement victory. Last night, they beat the Dallas Mavericks by a massive 43 points, winning the game 154-111. The entire team shot the ball efficiently, and they ended up creating a new Playoffs record.
The Clippers are the first team in NBA history to score 150+ points on 60+ FG% and 60+ 3P% shooting in a playoff game. pic.twitter.com/SWFpfE7g7D
— StatMuse (@statmuse) August 26, 2020
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Propelled by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who shot 12-19 and 12-18 respectively, they put on an offensive clinic. The Mavericks had no answer for this onslaught. Every quarter the Clippers scored at least 35 points and over 40 points in the first and fourth. It was almost a faultless performance from Doc Rivers’ men.
Can the LA Clippers finish the series in the next game?
After winning this game, the momentum will be with them. They lost the previous game after Luka Doncic took them by storm. Not only did they end up blowing a 21-point lead, but they also ended up conceding a buzzer-beater game-winner.
But the Clippers weren’t messing about last night. Right from the start, they were on a mission to finish the Porzingis-less Mavericks. Their total of 154 points was also a playoff game franchise record for a playoff game for the Clippers.
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The highlight performer for them was Paul George. Leonard has been so consistent that it’s not surprising that he drops over 30 points every night. After struggling in the previous three games, George bounced back with a spectacular shooting performance. He later talked about facing mental health issues and how he could overcome them last night.
“The bubble got the best of me. … I was just in a bad place. I found my way. I’m back.”
—Paul George on his struggles in the last few games pic.twitter.com/PmegD7zU1d
— ESPN (@espn) August 26, 2020
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As they head into Game 6, the Clippers will look to deliver the final blow. The Mavericks have fought well in the series, but the absence of Porzingis has hurt them. As it stands, the Clippers look favorites to wrap up the series in six games. If that happens, the Clippers will face the winner of the series between the Nuggets and the Jazz.