The Dallas Mavericks managed to even up their series at 1-1 against the LA Clippers, largely thanks to the stellar gameplay of Luka Doncic. The Slovenian star got a taste of a 90s-style, low-scoring, defensive battle in Game 2 and thrived through the challenge.
With the final score settling at 96-93, this was a rare occasion in today's NBA where neither team scored a hundred points. The five-time NBA All-Star managed to put up 32 points, nine assists and six rebounds to lead the Mavericks to victory.
Game 1 had the LA Clippers capitalizing on Doncic getting involved in the screens, thus exposing the Dallas Mavericks' weaknesses in defense. However, in Game 2, the Mavs learned to adapt by tightening the defense and being smart on switching.
The basketball repertoire of Luka Doncic has been the main subject of the Clippers' defensive and offensive tactics, and the former NBA Rookie of the Year enjoys being the target. He told reporters after the game:
"I accept it. It gets me going on the defensive end, too. That's fine. I think I played good defense today. I've just got to stay locked in."
Luka Doncic is fine not getting calls from referees in the playoffs
Entering the NBA playoffs, Luka Doncic knows that defenses are going to be tighter compared to the regular season. Having this in mind, the six-foot-seven guard understands that the referees' calls won't be perfect and he is fine with it.
“For sure, it’s more physical, refs not calling that many fouls," Doncic said. "It’s the playoffs. I think they’re just letting this play, which is fine. It’s just got to be the same on both ends."
Helping Luka Doncic in the win was Kyrie Irving who had 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Mid-season trade acquisition PJ Washington chipped in with 18 points and six rebounds while Derrick Jones Jr. rounds up the double-digit scorers for the Mavs at 10 points.
On the other side, this was the return from injury by Kawhi Leonard with the LA Clippers thus making it his first appearance in the 2024 NBA playoffs. He struggled shooting from the field doing only 7-of-17, ending the game with 15 points. Paul George and James Harden each had 22 points to lead the team in scoring. Ivica Zubac also had a notable night with 13 points and 12 boards.
The series between the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers now shifts to Dallas, Texas where games 3 and 4 will be played on April 26 and 28 at the American Airlines Center.
