Luka Doncic shines in Game 5, leading the Dallas Mavericks to victory over the LA Clippers despite battling illness and a knee injury.
. The Mavericks now have a chance to close out the series in Game 6 at American Airlines Center on Friday.
“I’m trying not to think about the injury or the cold,” Doncic said. “I’m just trying to go out there and set a tone. It’s the playoffs. There’s a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotion. So you just keep going. There was a particular focus from Doncic to attack the paint even though his early 3-point attempts"felt great" but missed. He went on to score 12 points at the rim, marking his first double figure scoring performance at the rim of the series and his first since Mar. 31 against the Houston Rockets. He also scored seven points using floaters, the most he's had since Mar. 5 versus the Indiana Pacers.
Doncic’s approach disrupted the Clippers' defensive schemes, which had previously aimed to curtail his drives to the rim and his effectiveness in pick-and-roll situations. His ability to adapt and create advantages was expected to emerge as a factor at some point in this series, and he managed to do so. His scoring opened up passing chances to find rim rollers and outside shooters, particularly rewarded by repeatedly dishing it to Maxi Kleber, who made five 3-pointers on the night.
“I think that’s becoming part of our identity since toward the end of the regular season – hanging our hat on the defensive end and understanding that some of the greatest teams in NBA history have won championships playing defense,” Irving said. “It wasn’t so much about adjustments, it was about effort.”
Luka Doncic Los Angeles Clippers
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Luka Doncic Breaks Dallas Mavericks' Single-Season Scoring RecordLuka Doncic surpasses Mark Aguirre's single-season scoring record for the Dallas Mavericks, becoming one of the most talented offensive players in NBA history.
Les mer »
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks clinch spot in 2024 NBA playoffsBy avoiding the play-in tournament, the Mavs give themselves an opportunity to rest and regroup after their final regular season matchup.
Les mer »
'Pravi MVP': Dallas Mavericks don T-Shirts in support of Luka DoncicAhead of the Dallas Mavericks' game against the Miami Heat, players and coaches wore shirts with a message for NBA MVP voters.
Les mer »
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic Was Targeted On Defense By Clippers; 'I Accept It'The Clippers Went After Doncic on Tuesday night in Game 2 and stood up to the challenge
Les mer »
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic Draws Wild Statistical Comparisons to Two NBA LegendsThe Dallas Mavericks superstar's playoff statistics are among the likes of LeBron James and Wilt Chamberlain.
Les mer »
Clippers Trust 'Blueprint' to Stop Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks in Playoff SeriesThe Los Angeles Clippers are confident in their 'blueprint' to neutralize Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in their first-round playoff series.
Les mer »