After Luka Doncic’s buzzer beater on Sunday, everyone started talking about the Mavericks seriously winning this series and how Paul George is letting his team down. The Clippers came out and made a big statement on Tuesday night.
After disappearing for games 2-4, Paul George came out and scored 35 points as the Clippers destroyed the Mavericks 154-111. He and Montrezl Harrell combined for 54 points after a combined average of 23 points in the first four games. That jump of 30 points was aided by a key defensive adjustment by the Clippers.
No one has been stopping Luka Doncic. So, rather than continuing to attempt to do that, the Clippers came out and just took away his kick out options. Kawhi Leonard took on Trey Burke and while Burke still put up numbers, a lot of that was after the Clippers were up by 25 in the 2nd quarter. Other players stayed home on shooters as well giving Doncic few options once he drove into the lane. That’s where they really miss Kristaps Porzingis and his ability to create his own shot against anyone because of his size and athleticism. The Mavericks aren’t interested in taking any chances on his knees but if he can go on Thursday expect a tighter game as Dallas tries to force a game seven.
The Nuggets forced a game six on Tuesday night thanks to another Herculean effort by Jamal Murray. Murray is averaging 43 points per game in games 1, 4 and 5, when the Nuggets have won twice and lost by just two points. He scored just 13 points per game in the game 2 and 3 blowout losses. Jokic is their best players but clearly the Nuggets will go as Jamal Murray will go. Right now, he’s scorching hot and they’ll need that again on Thursday to get to game seven.
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