Mavs pull away while Doncic sits, beat Clippers 127-114

Luka Doncic scored 28 points and Dallas Mavericks put toger pivotal run when he was out to beat Los Angeles Clippers 127-114 on Wednesday night and even Western Conference playoff series at a game apiece.

Two nights after scoring 42 points in highest-scoring debut in postseason history, Doncic played just nine minutes in second half. He finished with eight rebounds and seven assists.

Kristaps Porzingis added 23 points for Mavericks. y beat Clippers for first time in five meetings this season and earned ir first playoff victory since 2016.

Kawhi Leonard had 35 points and 10 rebounds, but Paul George had a mostly miserable performance for second-seeded Clippers. y played without starting guard Patrick Beverley because of a calf injury.

Doncic picked up his fourth foul less than a minute into third quarter, shaking his finger toward Dallas bench that he didn’t want to come out.

He kept stayed on n and when he did come out toward end of period, Dallas put toger a strong stretch of basketball. A finishing 14-4 spurt made it 98-85 entering fourth, Mavs pushed lead to 18 in final 12 minutes.

Reserves Trey Burke, Seth Curry and Boban Marjavic were all in double figures for Mavs, who shot 50% from field.

George finished 4 for 17 for 14 points.

Game 3 is Friday.

TIP-INS

Mavericks: Burke scored 16 points, Curry 15 and Marjavic 13. ... Porzingis was listed on injury report in morning because of right knee soreness.

Clippers: Reggie Jackson started in place of Beverley and scored 11 points. ... Lou Williams scored 23.

PAT'S PAIN

Coach Doc Rivers wasn't sure when Beverley was hurt, saying it was an injury that had been lingering. Clippers ticed guard wasn't moving well at ir shootaround and decided to scratch him. Rivers didn't kw if injury could keep Beverley until next game or until next week.

Im credits: AP