Mavs' Luka Dončić Amazes NBA Fans amid Knee Injury in Game 5 Win vs. George, Clippers
Despite being hampered by a right knee sprain and an upper respiratory illness, Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Luka Dončić posted 35 points on 14-of-26 shooting, 10 assists and seven rebounds in a dominant 123-93 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers, giving his team a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series.
After the Mavs' Game 4 loss, Dončić expressed disappointment in his play and said he had to help out teammate Kyrie Irving more.
"I just got to help him more," Dončić told reporters regarding Irving. "I feel like I'm letting him down, so I got to be there. I got to help him more. He's given everything that he has, and he's been amazing for us the whole series."
Well, Dončić did that and then some on Wednesday, and now Dallas will go back home with a chance to clinch the first-round series win and a date with the Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 2.
Dončić scored 20 or more points than literally any other player who took the floor with him on Wednesday. Maxi Kleber's 15 points were second-most on the Mavs, while Paul George and Ivica Zubac's 15 apiece paced the Clips.
Los Angeles, who remained without forward Kawhi Leonard (right knee inflammation), shot just 37.9 percent from the field and 9-of-35 from three-point range. The Mavs also outscored the Clippers by 29 points over the final three quarters.
Ultimately, this was the Luka Dončić show, and fans and analysts alike praised his tremendous game.
Dallas will host L.A. for Game 6 on Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
