Mavericks Send Clippers Packing, Advance to Western Conference Semi-Finals

In front of an electrified crowd, the Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, moved past the Los Angeles Clippers with a decisive 114-101 victory, to reach the Western Conference semifinals.

Despite a challenging start due to Doncic’s knee issues, the Mavericks’ duo found their rhythm in the second half.

Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer this season, tallied 28 points and 13 assists, while Irving erupted for 28 points after the half.

Irving culminated a 30-point performance that left the Clippers searching for answers.

Paul George scored 18 points and garnered 11 rebounds for the Clippers.

However, the absence of Kawhi Leonard due to knee inflammation was felt as the team struggled to maintain their offensive firepower.

James Harden put up 16 points and 13 assists but only shot 5 of 16 from the field and missed all six of his 3-pointers.

Russell Westbrook was a nonfactor, as he only was able to put up six points.

The Mavericks’ win avenges their previous first-round loss to the Clippers, setting up a highly anticipated matchup against the top-seeded Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.

As the Mavericks celebrated their hard-fought win and prepared for the Thunder, it came at a cost: losing Maxi Kleber, possibly for the rest of the playoffs.

The reserve power forward/center suffered a third-degree dislocation of the AC joint of his right shoulder, according to ESPN.

The Mavs will open the Western Conference semifinals at the top seed, Oklahoma City, on Tuesday night, May 7.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

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