December 24, 2024

Clippers vs. Mavericks score: Live NBA playoff updates as Kawhi Leonard, Paul George lead L.A. against Dallas

Kawhi #Kawhi

After a wild first half between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of their first-round series, the basketball itself took a back seat after a somewhat inexplicable third-quarter call. Kristaps Porzingis, already with one technical foul on his ledger, picked up a very questionable second one and was immediately ejected in what was easily the most controversial call in the bubble so far. Dallas, who once led by as many as 14, now trails by five, 87-82, after three quarters. They were outscored 21-11 in the nine minutes after Porzingis was ejected. 

Luka Doncic will now have to carry the Mavericks the rest of the way if they plan to win this game. To his credit, he’s answered the call. He has 30 points on 8-of-14 shooting in his playoff debut, but the balanced Clippers have made life miserable on the questionable Dallas defense. Four Clippers starters are in double figures as we head into the fourth quarter. 

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