The Dallas Mavericks bench provided 47 points to help propel the Mavs past the Clippers in Game 2 Wednesday night. Luka Doncic led all Mavs players with 28 points helping Dallas tie the series at 1-1. Porzingis, who was ejected in Game 1, came back to score 23 points helping add to the impressive offensive night from Dallas. On the other end of the court, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard had a usual All-Star performance with 35 points and 10 rebounds. Lou Williams also provided some offense with 23 points and 7 assists. The rest of the Clippers however, could not find their rhythm to ever catch up to the Mavs.
The Mavs began the game with a 15-2 run, which proved to be too much for the Clippers who never led in the game. Clippers were able to get only within 4 points of the lead twice in the first half, but Doncic consistently answered offensively with 22 points in the first half. Clippers were able to capitalize off early free throws to bring the Dallas lead to 5 at the half 61-56. Mavs maintained their offensive play the whole game finishing with 50% field goal percentage and shooting 44% from beyond the arc.
Second Half
In the second half, Clippers continued playing catch up with the Mavs and despite some open looks, could not get the shots to fall. Which was especially a problem for Clipper star Paul George. Playoff P was still not able to live up to his self proclaimed name as he could only make 1 of 6 attempted three pointers in the third quarter. He would end the night with 14 points on 23% field goal percentage.
Doncic got into foul trouble early in the fourth quarter with five personal fouls leading to frustration for Luka. Dallas Coach Rick Carlisle was forced to bench Doncic for a majority of the 4th quarter, which proved to be a non-factor as the Mavs bench delivered. Seth Curry and Trey Burke ended the game with 15 and 16 points respectively, providing efficient offense in Doncic’s absence. Former Clipper Boban Marjanovic, provided defensive help with his size while scoring 13 points and getting 9 rebounds for the Mavericks.
Despite his absence in the 4th quarter, Doncic managed to yet again do something noteworthy. Game 1 saw Doncic score 42 points, which was the most ever for a playoff debut. Now in Game 2, he became only the second player ever to score 70 points in their first two playoff games. Legendary center, George Mikan, the only other player to have completed the same feat at 75 points. Big accomplishments for the young 21-year-old who said, “We are able to fight these guys”. If the Mavs bench continues their high offensive efficiency and Doncic continues breaking records, the Clippers may find themselves struggling more than they thought in this fight.
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