The Dallas Mavericks have advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 114-101 in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Friday. The Mavericks clinched the series 4-2, marking a significant triumph for their star player, Luka Doncic.
For Doncic, this victory was particularly poignant. Having been eliminated by the Clippers in his first two postseason appearances in 2020 and 2021, the Slovenian sensation finally overcame his playoff nemesis. Despite shooting 9-for-26 from the field, Doncic recorded a double-double with 28 points and 13 assists. While his shooting efficiency was below his usual standards, he masterfully leveraged the defensive attention he attracted to create opportunities for his teammates.
Key contributors Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II capitalized on Doncic’s playmaking, delivering emphatic dunks and easy finishes at the rim. Their energy not only electrified the home crowd but also fueled their efforts on the defensive end and in securing offensive rebounds. The Mavericks dominated the offensive glass with an 18-16 advantage, with Gafford and Lively II accounting for half of those rebounds. Their collective defensive efforts limited the Clippers to 41.5 percent shooting from the field.
“It’s a big win for us,” Doncic remarked after the game. “We knew what we had to do, and everyone stepped up. It’s not just about me; it’s about the team effort.”
The Mavericks’ advancement to the Western Conference semifinals signifies a new chapter for the franchise as they aim to build on this momentum. Fans across the globe, particularly in Asia where the NBA enjoys a passionate following, will be eagerly watching to see how Doncic and the Mavericks continue their playoff journey.
Reference(s):
NBA highlights on May 3: Doncic gets past Clippers, with Irving
cgtn.com
