MAVERICKS’ TRIUMPH OVER CLIPPERS IN GAME 3: DEFENSE AND POISE KEY

In Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, the Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 101-90 on Friday night, displaying a remarkable display of fortitude and will.
In the best-of-seven series, the Mavericks led 2-1 and are now only two wins away from moving on to the conference semifinals.

It wasn’t necessarily a must-win on Friday night. However, 78.8% of the time (356–96), teams who take a 2-1 lead in a best-of-seven series go on to the next round.
Thus, even though the Mavericks are just halfway through this game, the odds have clearly shifted in their favor.
They owe it to their efforts on defense, as the Clippers discovered that nothing came easily.
Being among the top defensive teams in the NBA is something we’ve taken great satisfaction in, said to head coach Jason Kidd. “We’re just trying to make it tough against the Clippers who have weapons everywhere.”Some of the passes are coming into our possession. Simply attempt to make things difficult. We’ll need our defensive activity, which we have.
When the Mavericks held the Clippers to nine points in the final nine minutes before halftime in the second quarter, they were able to break loose. Early in the fourth quarter, they led 91-70, and in spite of Russell Westbrook’s best efforts to infuriate the Mavericks with his aggression, the Clippers were unable to find a response for the Mavericks’ defense in the closing minutes.
The Mavericks blocked seven shots and caused 19 turnovers from LA, 12 of which came from thefts. Despite only getting 70 shots, the Clippers shot 45.7 percent (compared to 86 for the Mavericks).
Luka Dončić noted, “Our offense was dictated by our defense.” “I didn’t play very well offensively, and neither did anyone else, but the important thing is that we won.”
And then there was Westbrook, who got into a brawl with P.J. Washington, Maxi Kleber, and Dončić halfway through the fourth quarter and was tossed.
Everyone is difficult, according to Kidd. “We are all striving to win by fighting for every inch. As the series progresses, it will get more surreal. Although this series is mostly physical, we still need to be mentally alert and comprehend what is happening. The boys did an excellent job of defending one another, in my opinion.
We have spoken about our wonderful energy, mutual trust, and protection. We’ve simply always discussed the importance of making sure we don’t make a mistake or put our team in a difficult position. The boys, in my opinion, performed well and have done a wonderful job of defending one another.
The Mavericks were comfortably ahead and coasted to the finish line by the time Westbrook threw Luka in a circle and seemed to push both Luka and Washington. They will have the opportunity to win 3-1 on Sunday afternoon at AAC (tip at 2:30 p.m.).
However, Luka turned his other cheek during the altercation as Westbrook shoved his forearm into his chest. Washington intervened first and foremost, and Westbrook also jabbed him in the chest.
“Wonderful dude. Regarding Washington’s handling of the matter, Dončić said, “I have nothing else to say. He works well in a team. He is helpful to all of us.There will always be basketball playoffs and (physical things). That’s what I’m accustomed to. I’m used to players approaching me. I simply try to play basketball and maintain my composure.
Furthermore, Dončić’s teammates valued his indecision in the face of abuse from Westbrook and others.
With 13 points, center Dereck Lively II stated, “It shows how he’s locked into winning.” “He’s not restricted to the coarse content that may occur in the game. People will often attempt to push him outside of his comfort zone and into his thoughts. “All he needs to know is that his teammates got his back,” is what one person advised him to remember.
Furthermore, it shines strongly on Washington, who, since joining the Mavericks in February, has been a junkyard dog.
It agitates us, according to Lively. He serves as the team’s spokesperson. He’s talking defense, but he’s got our back. He’s among our greatest defensive players, if not the best.
Dončić was also impressive, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Kyrie Irving, on the other hand, had only one basket in the first half and ended with 21 points.
Dončić’s defense was praised heavily for the second half of the regular season and even more so for its performance in it.
And since the coaching staff pushed him during the 2022 playoffs, it has been evident that he has taken that end of the floor seriously over time.
It’s obvious that it stuck.
Regarding the overall defense, Lively said, “I think we all can see it.” Everyone seems to have a distinct expression in their eye when they are on the defense, in my opinion. Even if they are in possession of the ball, they are acting aggressively.It will ultimately come down to us being focused on each play and disciplined. The playoffs are a possession-by-possession competition.
Before Friday’s game, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said, “Oh, he’s a great defender.” He accepts the challenge. I believe that in 17 one-on-one defensive scenarios involving Luka, we managed to score just twice. He’s performing well, then. And you become a whole different team when your greatest player accepts that challenge.
In comparison to their first quarter on Friday, the Mavericks were undoubtedly a different squad in the second quarter. They were down early in the second quarter, trailing the whole time.
When Dončić hobbled backwards in the first quarter, he had already been to the arena’s basement. However, he came back just before the time frame ended. After that, he said that his knee would be examined on Saturday, but he anticipates having no issues for Game 4 on Sunday.
With 8:52 remaining in the half, he made a step-back three-pointer that sparked a 29-9 run by the Mavericks to end the half.

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