Kawhi Leonard and Paul George combined for 49 points, 19 rebounds and six assists while shooting 17-for-31 from the field.
Follow Us
The Los Angeles Clippers dominated the Dallas Mavericks 106-81 on Sunday, to even their best of seven series at 2-2. Thanks to the highly experienced pair of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. After losing both games in Los Angeles, the Clippers faced all sorts of criticism from fans and media but they have responded in the best way possible by taking back homecourt advantage.
CLIPPERS WIN! pic.twitter.com/b4Z7o5Z0W6
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) May 31, 2021
They staged an impressive comeback in Game 3, and then came out and dismantled the Mavericks in Game 4. All of a sudden, they’ve retaken homecourt advantage, and the series is all tied up at 2-2 heading back to Los Angeles for Game 5.
Kawhi Leonard was in scintillating form on the offensive end. He finished the game with 29 points on 11 for 15 shooting, along with 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocked shots. Paul George put up 20 points and nine rebounds to help Los Angeles get off to an early lead that they never surrendered.
On the other side, Mavericks’ star Luka Doncic scored 19 points. He did not enjoy the same type of success that we saw over the first three games of this series. Doncic needed 24 attempts from the field to hit that number.
Kawhi and George put together a dominant performance to almost beat the Mavericks by themselves.
The Clippers needed their experienced men to step up on the road, and they did, deliver in a major way, combining for 49 points, 19 rebounds and six assists while shooting 17 for 31 from the field.
Kawhi’s efficient double-double leads the @LAClippers to their 2nd straight win in Dallas, tying the series at 2-2. Game 5 is Wed. at 10pm/et on TNT.
29p | 10r | 2s | 2b | 11-15 shooting pic.twitter.com/yFOtnlEAIo
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2021
Right from the opening tip, Kawhi and George made it clear that they were going to play physical and attack the Mavs defence, and the Mavs had no answer.
No Dallas defenders could stay in front of either of them in one-on-one situations. They set the tone early and carried it throughout the game.
The problems started on the defensive end. They trailed nearly the entire way, and simply couldn’t keep the Clippers out of the lane.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were getting by their defenders at will, and earning paint touches on a majority of their possessions.
From there, it was too easy, as the Clippers scored 44 points, and shot 39.4 percent from three-point land.
To make matters worse, Luka Doncic’s fitness was questionable heading into Game 4 due to a neck strain. He gave it a go and was able to get through the entire game, but he was in clear distress all night long.
Shooting 9 for 24 from the field and turning the ball over four times, Doncic finished with 19 points.
The good news for him and the Mavericks is that they have an extra day off before Game 5. Hopefully that will be enough time for him to start feeling better.
