Dallas, Texas – The Dallas Mavericks secured a Game 6 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, with Luka Dončić dominating the first half and Kyrie Irving taking over in the second, leading to a 114-101 win on Friday. The Mavericks advanced to the second round of the playoffs with a 4-2 series win, setting up a matchup with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Clippers, coming off a blowout loss in Game 5, fell behind in the first quarter but managed to tie the game at halftime. However, Irving’s 28-point second-half performance propelled the Mavericks to a decisive victory, with the Clippers unable to mount a comeback.
Irving, who struggled in the first half, finished with 30 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks. Dončić contributed 28 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds, despite shooting poorly from the field.
With Kawhi Leonard sidelined and Paul George and James Harden struggling, the Clippers lacked the offensive firepower to keep up with the Mavericks. Norman Powell led the Clippers in scoring with 20 points off the bench, while George and Harden also made significant contributions.
The Mavericks outshot the Clippers both from the field and beyond the arc, showcasing their efficiency on offense. Now, the Mavericks will have three days to prepare for their next matchup against the Thunder, as they await the status of injured forward Maxi Kleber.
As the Mavericks celebrate their victory and prepare for the next round, the Clippers face another disappointing early exit from the playoffs, raising questions about the future of their star-studded roster. Another offseason of uncertainty looms for the Clippers as they ponder their postseason shortcomings.