The Dallas Mavericks advanced to the semifinals of the Western Conference after defeating the LA Clippers 114:101 at home and closing the series between the two teams 4-2.
The score was tied at the break, but Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving exploded in the third quarter as the hosts ran out 35-20 winners to seal the victory. Doncic finished with 28 points, 13 assists and 7 rebounds, despite again not having a shooting day and making 34.6 percent of his attempts. Irving scored 28 of his 30 points after the break, including five 3-pointers.
The Clippers were again without their big star, Kauai Leonard, and in his absence, reserve Norman Powell was the most productive with 20 points. Paul George scored 18 points on 33 percent shooting, and James Harron was even more ineffective with 16 points on 31.3 percent shooting. Russell Westbrook once again failed to contribute for the Clippers off the bench.
So Dallas will meet the regular season leader Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals.
In the night's other game, the Orlando Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 103-96 at home to set up a decisive Game 7 in Cleveland. /BGNES
