Luka Doncic, Mavericks push Clippers to brink of elimination with Game 5 rout
Paul George and James Harden struggle to get on track while Doncic has 35 points and 10 assists for the Mavs, who roll to a 123-93 win and a 3-2 lead in the first-round series. Game 6 is Friday night in Dallas.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, right, looks for an opening as Clippers guard Amir Coffey defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Doncic had 35 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as the Mavericks handed the Clippers their most lopsided playoff loss ever, 123-93, to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, right, grabs a rebound in front of Clippers guard Terance Mann during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers guard James Harden, right, looks to pass the ball as Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic takes a 3-point shot as Clippers guard Norman Powell defends during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George, left, tries to shoot as Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green, center, and center Daniel Gafford defend during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic drives past Clippers star Paul George, left, and Terance Mann, right, on his way to the basket during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic reacts to a foul call during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers guard James Harden, left, shoots as Dallas Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dallas Mavericks’ Dante Exum looks to pass the ball as Clippers center Mason Plumlee defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers guard Terance Mann, right, shoots as Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dallas Mavericks’ P.J. Washington dives for a loose ball in front of Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George, right, tries to drive by Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr., right, goes up for a dunk as Clippers star Paul George defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard James Harden, center, shoots as Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, right, defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers star Paul George drives into Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers guard James Harden, left, loses momentarily control of the ball as Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Terance Mann takes a shot during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic takes a shot as Clippers guard Terance Mann defends during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden takes a shot during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II passes the ball around the back of Clippers star Paul George during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac, center, dunks as Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, left, defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers star Paul George, right, shoots as Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers star Paul George, left, and Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II reach for a rebound during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers star Paul George takes a shot as the Dallas Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Terance Mann, left, drives around the Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers star Paul George takes a shot as the Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, right, looks for an opening as Clippers guard Amir Coffey defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Doncic had 35 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as the Mavericks handed the Clippers their most lopsided playoff loss ever, 123-93, to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic yells after scoring during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Clippers Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac takes a shot as Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic defends during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford shoots over Clippers star Paul George during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers guard Terance Mann reacts during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, left, shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers star Paul George, left, slaps a potential rebound away from the Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac dunks during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, left, passes the ball as Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, and Clippers star Paul George, back left, defend during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II shoots over Clippers guard James Harden during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, left, shoots as Clippers guard Terance Mann defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers star Paul George, center, shoots as Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, right, defends and forward Maxi Kleber, left, watches during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd gestures to his team during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Clippers Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dallas Mavericks’ Derrick Jones Jr., dunks during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr., left, dunks as Clippers guard Amir Coffey watches during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac takes a shot in front of Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Terance Mann, right, shoots as Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, left, grabs a rebound as Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford reaches for it during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum, right, shoots as Clippers center Mason Plumlee defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Norman Powell takes a shot during the first half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden, front, and Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving pursue a loose ball during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook looks for a path around Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic passes the ball away as the Clippers’ James Harden, left, and Ivica Zubac, right, defend during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey, left, and Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving go after a loose ball during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey, top, and Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving dive for a loose ball during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey, right, and Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving dive for a loose ball during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey, top, and Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving dive for a loose ball during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey, top, and Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving dive for a loose ball during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey, top, and Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving dive for a loose ball during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey, front, and Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving pursue a loose ball during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving gestures as he dribbles during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic drives as Clippers forward P.J. Tucker defends during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden, right, passes the ball past Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, left, looks for a way around Clippers guard Terance Mann during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, center, shoots as Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, left, and guard Luka Doncic defend during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard James Harden passes the ball off as the Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II, left, Kyrie Irving (11) and Luka Doncic, right, defend during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving celebrates after scoring during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Clippers Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, shoots as Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II defends during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, left, is fouled by the Dallas Mavericks’ Derrick Jones Jr. during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) shoots as Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) defends during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Dallas Mavericks’ Maxi Kleber, top, loses a potential rebound to Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, right, during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily ɫ̳/SCNG)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, left, grabs a rebound away from Clippers guard Russell Westbrook during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, left, reaches in on Clippers guard James Harden during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Terance Mann, left, and Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving reach for rebound during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr., right, celebrates after scoring as Clippers center Ivica Zubac stands by during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots as Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) defends during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, center, shoots as Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, defends during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey, right, shoots as Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, second from right, and center Daniel Gafford defend during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, left, dries toward the basket as Clippers guard Brandon Boston Jr. follows during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, second from right, reaches for a loose ball along with Clippers guard Bones Hyland, left, center Dereck Lively II, second from right, and guard Amir Coffey during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic takes a shot in front of Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden handles the ball during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, right, shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, center, celebrates after scoring as Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, and center Mason Plumlee stand by during the second half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Terance Mann handles the ball during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden defends as Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving handles the ball during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, front, steals the ball during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Norman Powell handles the ball during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving takes a shot as Clippers guard Terance Mann defends during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic handles the ball as Clippers guard Terance Mann defends during the second half of Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
A general view of play between the Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES — Clippers coach Tyronn Lue’s message to his team after losing Game 5 by 30 points was simple and direct.
“I didn’t have a message,” he said.
Because really, what was there to say after the Dallas Mavericks trampled all over them and possibly their postseason dreams in a 123-93 loss on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. The lopsided loss left the Clippers down, 3-2, and facing elimination in the best-of-seven first-round series that now heads to Dallas for Game 6 on Friday.
If necessary, Game 7 will be back in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Another home game won’t be necessary, though, if the Clippers don’t improve or play with the sense of urgency that was missing in Game 5.
“We know how to win. We know we won two games,” center Ivica Zubac said. “We have got to be better. We got to be more physical. We got to play with desperation. We got to have better effort.”
The effort needs to be focused on stopping Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who went off for a game-high 35 points on 14-of-26 shooting and had seven rebounds and 10 assists despite playing with a head cold and a lingering sprained right knee.
“We knew at some point that Luka was going to have a Luka game,” Lue said. “We’re not going to hang our heads. We got to win four games. We go to Dallas, Game 6 on Friday and we’ll be ready to go.”
Most likely, the Clippers will be traveling east without Kawhi Leonard, who missed his third game in the series because of inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. Lue said Leonard’s status is “a day-to-day thing and when he’s feeling good and medical says he’s clear to go and that’s what we’ll do.”
Until then, the Clippers need James Harden and Paul George to continue to lead. But unlike the previous two games, George and Harden couldn’t fill the void left by Leonard in Game 5. The two never appeared in sync Wednesday.
For one, their 3-point attempts didn’t fall. They finished a combined 3 for 13 from long range. Other times they rushed shots, came up short on others or turned the ball over
Harden had been shooting 61% on his step-backs and 60% on his floaters, but neither turned out to be sustainable against a Dallas defense that zeroed in on the three-time league scoring champion.
He scored just seven points on 2-of-12 shooting (1 for 7 from 3-point range), while George finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds but shot 4 for 13 overall and 2 for 6 from behind the arc.
Lue attributed Harden’s letdown to him “being human.”
“He’s allowed to have a bad game,” Lue added. “We didn’t shoot the ball well. They tried to get up and pressure a little bit, which we didn’t handle like we had in the first four games. He played bad. It’s possible. He didn’t play well. So, I got to do a better job getting him in better situations and then being ready for Game 6, which I know he’ll be better.”
Harden, like most of the other players, had nothing to say, walking past the media without slowing down.
The Mavericks also limited George from gaining any real traction, and the rest of the team failed to provide any real offense, shooting 37.9% from the field.
“It was just an uncharacteristic game,” George said. “And, we got to be better. We got to be better going into a Game 6.”
Lue said the Clippers didn’t play well all around, offensively, and defensively.
“We just didn’t play a good game and so that’s OK. Turn the page,” Lue said. “You still got to win four games and we know we (can) win on that floor and we’ve shown that past two playoff series.”
Lue pointed out that the Clippers were in this position in 2021 when they were down 3-2 against Dallas and came back to win the series.
“We didn’t play our best game (tonight) and we understand that. I think we all understand that collectively. So, we’ll be better for Game 6,” Lue said.
The Clippers quit looking for Ivica Zubac after he had a hot first quarter, finishing with 15 points and six rebounds, while Terance Mann had 11 points and seven rebounds. Russell Westbrook also struggled off the bench, missing his first eight shots before finally scoring in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Doncic didn’t let two early fouls or a stuffy nose slow him down. At Wednesday’s shootaround, he reportedly didn’t engage in much running and said he wasn’t sure how his knee would hold up.
He saved it all for the game, which turned into a one-sided affair midway through the third quarter. Doncic scorched the Clippers for 14 points in the third, stretching Dallas’ lead to 23 points during a 17-2 run. The Clippers missed nine consecutive shots and committed four turnovers during the 6:23 between their first and second baskets of the second half.
The Mavericks kept the pressure on in the fourth, leading by as much as 32 points.
Dallas shot 54% from the field and made 14 of 39 3-point shots. Maxi Kleber had 15 points (all on 3-pointers), Kyrie Irving finished with 14 points and six assists and Derrick Jones Jr. added 12 points.
Lue eventually threw in the towel and had bench players close out the game.
“This is why it’s a series. You know, we got to prepare and get ready for the next one,” George said.
The Clippers got off to a strong start behind Zubac and Mann, who got the team going with eight and seven points, respectively, in the first quarter.
Lue then switched out his starters for a lineup of Norman Powell, Mason Plumlee, Harden, Westbrook and Mann and the game got chaotic. The Clippers struggled to find the basket as Dallas began hitting nearly every shot to go up by eight points on a 3-pointer by Maxi Kleber at the 7:21 mark.
It didn’t get much better as the Mavericks stretched their lead to 12 with a 12-4 run before George made two free throws in the final 12 seconds as Dallas settled for a 56-46 halftime lead.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said before the game it was important to stop the Clippers from making 3-pointers and they achieved that goal in the first half. The Clippers were just 9 of 35 from behind the arc.
Dallas is on the brink of its first playoff series victory since 2022 and only its third since winning the NBA title in 2011.
Luka Magic was in full effect as the took a 3-2 series lead in LA!
