The Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series, with Luka Doncic leading the charge for the Mavs. Despite the return of Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard, Doncic’s impressive performance, scoring 32 points, propelled the Mavericks to a narrow 96-93 victory, tying the series at 1-1.
Leonard, who had been sidelined since March 31 due to knee inflammation, made his return in Game 2, contributing 15 points and seven rebounds in 35 minutes of play. Kyrie Irving also played a significant role for the Mavericks, adding 23 points to the team’s tally. P.J. Washington Jr. chipped in with 18 points, providing valuable support to Doncic.
The Clippers, despite trailing for much of the game, showed signs of a comeback in the third quarter. Led by Paul George and James Harden, who scored 22 points each, the Clippers fought back to take a 66-65 lead heading into the fourth quarter. However, the Mavericks responded with a determined effort in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 straight points to regain control of the game. Washington, Doncic, and Irving all contributed 3-pointers during this crucial scoring run.
The Clippers managed to close the gap to 93-90 with just 20 seconds remaining, but a controversial foul call on Irving, which was later overturned, gave the Mavericks a chance to seal the victory. Irving made 3 of 4 free throws, effectively ending the Clippers’ hopes of a comeback. Despite George’s 3-pointer at the buzzer, the Mavericks managed to secure the 96-93 victory and tie the series.
The series now shifts to Dallas for Game 3 on Friday, where both teams will look to gain an advantage in this closely contested matchup.
