Clippers overcome Doncic's big night to eliminate Mavs
The Los Angeles Clippers avoided another early playoff exit after beating the Dallas Mavericks 126-111 in Game 7 to reach the Western Conference semifinals for the second straight season.
Kawhi Leonard had a dazzling all-around performance Sunday, posting 28 points, 10 boards, nine assists, and four steals. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic capped another spectacular postseason series with 46 points, 14 dimes, and seven rebounds in a losing cause.
The Slovenian's single-game point total was just four points shy of Dirk Nowitzki's franchise playoff record, according to Ben Golliver of The Washington Post.
Los Angeles will take on the top-seeded Utah Jazz in Round 2, which begins Tuesday in Salt Lake City at Vivint Arena.
Heading into Sunday's do-or-die matchup, the road team won each of the previous six contests.
Dallas made a strong bid to continue that trend behind Doncic's strong first half. The Mavs star's 29 points at halftime were the most in a Game 7 over the last 25 seasons.
The Clippers led by eight at the halfway point, but Doncic and Co. fought back in the third quarter to take a five-point lead with 6:53 left in the frame.
It was all Los Angeles from there as the home side ended the quarter on a 24-4 scoring run.
The Clippers got great contributions from their reserve unit, which outscored Dallas' bench 27-6. Second-year guard Terance Mann had 13 points and five boards, while Luke Kennard came through with 11 points after logging only 14 minutes in the previous six contests.