Los Angeles held on for a key 116-111 Game 4 victory over the Mavericks Monday (PHL), forcing a 2-2 tie in their West first round series.
The Clippers had to hold strong, after their 31-point lead in the first half slowly disappeared.
LA fired a franchise playoff record eight triples in the first quarter, using the momentum to take a 55-24 lead midway through the second.
The Clippers were on top by 26 at the break, but the Mavericks made a second-half push behind Kyrie Irving.
The enigmatic star put Dallas up 105-104 with 2:15 remaining off a ridiculous acrobatic layup, putting serious doubt on the minds of the Clippers.
PG for THREE 👌 pic.twitter.com/0sSi7AvVzd
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 28, 2024
But unlike their Game 3 meltdown, the Clippers had a response, with Paul George hitting a booming three on the next play to restore order.
James Harden then scored the next five points for LA, including a key and-one with 1:20 left to help put the game away.
AND-UNO 🗣? pic.twitter.com/wsRmE62BAJ
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 28, 2024
George bounced back from a horror Game 3 effort of just seven points, coming back with 33 for the Clippers. Harden also had 33, as the two took charge with Kawhi Leonard inactive for the second game in the series.
Kyrie finished with 40 points for the Mavericks, while Luka Doncic scattered 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists for a triple-double.
