Despite playing with a sprained right knee and battling illness, Luka Doncic’s resilience shone through as he led the Dallas Mavericks to a commanding 123-93 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5. Doncic’s performance, despite his physical ailments, underscored his determination and skill, propelling the Mavericks to a 3-2 series lead.
Throughout the game, Doncic displayed his trademark versatility, scoring 35 points, dishing out 10 assists, and grabbing seven rebounds. His exceptional second-half performance, where he scored 20 of his total points, proved instrumental in securing the win for Dallas.
Supporting Doncic’s stellar play, Maxi Kleber contributed with five 3-pointers, while Kyrie Irving added 14 points, further bolstering the Mavericks’ offensive efforts. However, it was Dallas’s defensive prowess that truly stifled the Clippers, resulting in the largest margin of defeat in Los Angeles’s playoff history.
With this victory, the Mavericks find themselves on the brink of advancing to the second round, needing just one more win to clinch their first playoff series victory since 2022. This potential milestone would mark only their third series win since claiming the NBA title in 2011, highlighting the significance of Doncic’s leadership and the team’s collective effort.
