The Dallas Mavericks evened their first-round playoff series with the Los Angeles Clippers by winning Game 2 in Los Angeles on Tuesday night with a 96-93 score.
Dallas’ effective performance in the fourth quarter helped them pull out secure the victory in the later part of the game, as they went on a 14-4 run to create their largest lead of the night with the help of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and PJ Washington's shooting.
The Mavs showed significantly better defense and improved flow in their offensive strategy in the first half, not relying on forced three-pointers and leading 45-41 at halftime — a complete turnaround from Sunday’s halftime deficit of 56-30.
After being dominated by Clippers center Ivica Zubac on Sunday, the Mavericks quickly forced the LA big man to pick up two early fouls, reducing his impact in the first half. However, Dallas’ big men also faced foul trouble as Washington and Daniel Gafford each accumulated two fouls.
Gafford briefly went to the locker room with an injury but returned to the game. However, Dereck Lively II took his place in the lineup to start the second half as Gafford remained on the bench.
The Clippers’ defensive effort intensified in the second half, and they took the lead after a 25-20 third quarter. While James Harden, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard contributed most of the LA scoring, Zubac once again made his presence felt with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Los Angeles held the lead entering the fourth quarter, but Dallas continued to fight and began their rally to secure the game with 9:15 remaining. This rally resulted in a nine-point lead for the Mavs, but the game was far from over.
Trailing by nine with 1:26 remaining, the Clippers attempted to reduce the deficit to three with 20.5 seconds left on the clock after a Dallas challenge overturned an and-one that would have given Leonard a free throw attempt. LA set up its fullcourt press and had Doncic trapped in the corner, but a risky pass attempt moved the ball up the court.
Maxi Kleber grabbed a crucial rebound off a missed free throw from Irving, who made two more free throws to secure the win and bring the Mavs back to Dallas with the series tied. Their next game will be at 7:30 p.m. CT on Friday, and Game 4 will be played at 2:30 p.m. CT on Sunday. series tied.
Game 3 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT on Friday, and Game 4 will be played at 2:30 p.m. CT on Sunday.
