The buzzer-beater. One of the most entertaining aspects of the game of basketball. What could possibly be better than a buzzer-beater? A down by 1 overtime three point buzzer-beater. Which is exactly what Luka Doncic did in Game 4 Sunday night against the Clippers. Despite a bad ankle, Doncic willed the Dallas Mavericks to a win that now evens the series at 2-2. Doncic had a triple double scoring 43 points and getting 17 rebounds with 13 assists. Clippers guard Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points doing all he could for his team. Kawhi was not alone this time around however, as Lou Williams scored 36 points, going an impressive 65% from the field. Despite these All-Star caliber performances from the Clippers, Luka Doncic showed the league Sunday night why he may well be an MVP one day.
The Clippers struck first as they were able to pull ahead for the big lead behind Lou Williams’ efficient night from the field. Paul George, however was in traditional playoff form, making a once again minimal difference on the court as he was only able to score 9 points, going 1 of 7 from three point land. George now has only made just 4 three pointers in 25 attempts his last three games. Despite Paul George’s absence, the Clippers were still able to figure things out. Good three point shooting and steady defense were able to get the Clippers ahead of the Mavs by as much as 21 points in the 2nd quarter. Once again, it would appear to be an all too similar fate for the Mavs, but not before Trey Burke started to heat up late in the 2nd scoring 8 points. The Clippers lead going from 21 to only 8 ending the half 66-58.
In the second half of regulation, Mavs were able to rollover their offensive momentum as they were able to take the lead in the 3rd quarter. Kristaps Porzingis was out for the Mavs tonight, but his absence was not felt as multiple Mavs players stepped into the role. Namely, Trey Burke, who continued his efficient performance ending the night with 25 points shooting 71% from the field. Hardaway and Curry also provided some great offense getting 21 and 15 points respectively. Mavs led for the entire fourth quarter and back to back long range threes from Doncic placed his team up by 7 with 3 minutes left. The Clippers, however answered with their own pair of threes as Kawhi set the Clippers within range. Down only three Lou Will was fouled at the three point line with 50 seconds left, a chance to take the lead. Williams was only able to convert on 2 of 3 free throws, still enough to tie the game. Mavs could not take the lead and Kawhi with the last shot bouncing off the rim sent the game into overtime at 121 a piece.
Overtime saw the two teams trading buckets all the way to the end. Clippers first taking the lead behind Kawhi’s automatic mid-range jumper. This did not phase Trey Burke as he was able to continually answer offensively for the Mavs. With the game tied at 130 Doncic got a layup to get his team up by two with only 19 seconds left. A defensive stop now all the Mavs needed to win the game, however Marcus Morris had different plans as he sunk the three pointer to set the Clippers ahead by 1 133-132. Now or never time for Doncic with 3.7 seconds left. Dallas coach Rick Carlisle with a well drawn play helped the Mavs create a switch on defense that took away Kawhi’s defensive presence on Doncic. A dribble left, a dribble right, step back, BANG! Doncic sinks the three to become the youngest player to hit a buzzer beater in NBA playoffs history stealing the game from the Clippers 133-135.
Coming off a sprained ankle Luka had to go through an intense recovery/therapy to get to play Game 4. A game Doncic was not even sure was going to happen Friday night after Game 3. The work ethic for the young star to come back from not only an ankle injury but a 21 point lead continues to make a case that he may well be a future MVP. On his final shot, Doncic stated that it was, “something special”. Which was indeed the case as he is the only other player to ever cap a 40 point performance in the playoffs by making a do or die buzzer-beater. The other player? None other than his airness, Michael Jordan. It almost seems like every playoff game Luka Doncic is able to fully play, he is breaking some kind of record or placing himself in history among the greats. Oh wait, that’s because he is. With the Mavericks now 2-2 in the series the world will be watching for what magic Luka Doncic will conjure next in Game 5 Tuesday night.
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