NBA Playoffs: The Clippers outlast the Mavs to win and force Game 7

Dallas, Texas – The Los Angeles Clippers took care of business on the road to force a Game 7 against the Dallas Mavericks.

Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points as the Clippers survived to play another game
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points as the Clippers survived to play another game  © IMAGO / Icon SMI

In a series where no home team has won a game in the first five contests, superstitions were at play on Friday night. The game could’ve gone to either team through the first three quarters, but the Clippers seemed to have a little luck on their side by night’s end, winning 104-97. This Western Conference first-round series is now knotted up at three games apiece, with a seventh game coming up on Sunday.

Kawhi Leonard (29) made sure his team didn’t go away quietly, as the Clippers’ season was on the line. And with their backs against the wall, Leonard had a monster game with 45 points in the win to tie his career playoff best. Reggie Jackson chipped in with 25 points and nine rebounds.

New York Liberty receives hero's welcome with ticker-tape parade for WNBA title!
NBA New York Liberty receives hero's welcome with ticker-tape parade for WNBA title!

Luka Doncic played well for Dallas, scoring 29 points, but his shooting numbers were dismal, including making just two of nine three-point attempts. A mixture of good defense from the Clippers and bad shooting would haunt the Mavericks when the game could’ve been theirs for the taking, towards the end. As a team, Dallas was held down to 29% shooting during the final period.

In the final minutes of the game, the ball seemed to bounce the Clippers’ way and nearly every shot they took seemed to fall.

To close out the game, Leonard scored 10 points, including a pair of threes, to take away any chance of a Mavs comeback.

It’s now do-or-die for both the Clippers and the Mavs

This is the first series that's gone to the wire in this year’s playoffs. It's still anyone's guess who will come out on top. Dallas won the first two games, LA grabbed the next two, before both teams traded wins to take things to a Game 7 decider.

Game seven is on Sunday afternoon, from Los Angeles.

Cover photo: IMAGO / Icon SMI

More on NBA: