Despite being hampered by a right knee sprain and an upper respiratory illness, Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Luka Dončić posted 35 points on 14-of-26 shooting, 10 assists and seven rebounds in a dominant 123-93 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers, giving his team a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series.
After the Mavs’ Game 4 loss, Dončić expressed disappointment in his play and said he had to help out teammate Kyrie Irving more.
“I just got to help him more,” Dončić told reporters regarding Irving. “I feel like I’m letting him down, so I got to be there. I got to help him more. He’s given everything that he has, and he’s been amazing for us the whole series.”
Well, Dončić did that and then some on Wednesday, and now Dallas will go back home with a chance to clinch the first-round series win and a date with the Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 2.
Dončić scored 20 or more points than literally any other player who took the floor with him on Wednesday. Maxi Kleber’s 15 points were second-most on the Mavs, while Paul George and Ivica Zubac’s 15 apiece paced the Clips.
Los Angeles, who remained without forward Kawhi Leonard (right knee inflammation), shot just 37.9 percent from the field and 9-of-35 from three-point range. The Mavs also outscored the Clippers by 29 points over the final three quarters.
Ultimately, this was the Luka Dončić show, and fans and analysts alike praised his tremendous game.
Berkan MFFL @BerkanMFFL
Luka. Doncic.
You always have hope. Even when he’s sick and on one knee
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Playing sick and on a sprained knee, Luka Doncic (34-7-10) had his best performance of the series to lead the Mavs to a blowout in pivotal Game 5. Doncic takes a seat with 5:39 left and Dallas up four touchdowns.
Melek Robinson @MRobinsonJRSM
just a reminder, Luka is on one knee
Chris Williamson @CWilliamson44
Luka doing this on one good knee !! He and Embiid been gutting out some admirable wins
Mark Jackson’s Burner @casualtakeking
LUKA DONCIC TONIGHT:
35 POINTS
10 ASSISTS
7 REBOUNDS
14-26 FG
OWNS THE CLIPPERS 🥶 https://t.co/y2cCzGT5kV pic.twitter.com/7PdSSUpfHq
Mace @mchalfant_80
Luka really said sprained knee and flu? No prob let’s drop 30+
Jason Asenap @asenap
Luka’s knee looks fine the man putting on a clinic!
Tadi Abedje @realTadiAbedje
The Mavericks put on a Game 5 stomper on the Clippers in the City of Angels. Luka Doncic aka Luka The Don was spectacular as he usually is, almost getting a triple-double with 35 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. A complete domination!!#OneForDallas #NBA #NBAPlayoffs
Landon Thomas @sixfivelando
Luka Dončić is playing on a sprained knee and has been sick for a week.
He just recorded 35 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds and 1 steal in a playoff game on the road against the Clippers.
Thats tough.
LuKAI @CoryTXSports
Took responsibility for struggling even tho he’s sick an injured and bounced back on the road, series tied 2-2. Don’t EVER question Luka Doncic again. #MFFL https://t.co/utZPqPfdxJ
Mack Hubbard @Blacknove
Luka Doncic showed up & balled out tonight #DALvsLAC #NBAPlayoffs
erick🦦 @erickatttt
luka doncic 🐐
kisportal @kiaportal
Luka Doncic the man that you are! 🔥 #NBAPlayoffs
Dallas will host L.A. for Game 6 on Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
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