NBA Playoffs: Mavericks Take Control of First-Round Series with Game 5 Win
Clippers Struggle to Keep Up in One-Sided Contest
Mavs Extend Series Lead to 3-2
Los Angeles, Calif. (April 20, 2024) - The Dallas Mavericks extended their series lead over the Los Angeles Clippers to 3-2 after a dominant 123-93 victory in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday. The Mavericks set the tone early, taking a commanding 30-18 lead after the first quarter. The Clippers managed to stay within striking distance for much of the second, but a 14-2 run late in the half gave Dallas a 62-50 advantage at the break. The third quarter proved to be the turning point, as the Mavericks outscored the Clippers by 20 points, 38-18, to take a commanding 26-point lead. The Clippers never recovered, as the Mavericks cruised to a 30-point victory. Luka Dončić led the way for the Mavericks with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. Kristaps Porziņģis added 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in with 18 points. Paul George led the Clippers with 22 points, while Ivica Zubac added 20 points and 15 rebounds. However, the Clippers shot just 39.2% from the field and were outrebounded 53-44. The Mavericks now have a chance to close out the series in Game 6 at home on Friday. The Clippers, meanwhile, will need to find a way to turn things around and force a Game 7 if they want to advance to the second round.
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