Bend, Luka Doncic.
The sophomore star scored a triple while playing for a sprained ankle to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 135-133 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in game four Sunday at Walt Disney World Resort. The series is tied to two sets each.
Ankle sprain and everything, Doncic was brilliant and secured a consecutive triple-double while helping to bring his team a 21-point deficit, even without the injured Kristaps Porzingis.
As for the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and Lou Williams set the stage for a team with championship aspirations that is discovered in a tight initial war with suffering Paul George.
GAME CALLED LUKA. Cold. https://t.co/PzrKgH80yY
The Clippers gave up a 21-point lead over the Mavs Kristaps ? https://t.co/EaK8cDiESj
Clippers to stay Luka https://t.co/k6HUgl1UCz
Notable statistics
Luka plays for injury, continues to dazzle
The Mavs had 21 problems in the first half opposed to a deeper team while playing without their most productive big guy and with Doncic less than 100%.
It would have been easy to bend over and stick to movements during the fifth game, but Luka had other ideas. He controlled a Euro-step that turned his head to score on George in the lane, dropped floats in traffic and showed patience in attacking the defense, while playing a forged defense and fighting on the forums at the other end.
He also deliberately passed out attendances each and every time the Clippers collapsed into his penetration, took George’s pocket and even forced Los Angeles to dominate when he resumed the game in the third quarter.
Luka, besides everything else, incredibly smart on the defensive.
After 198 mavs playoff games, a triple-double: Luka now has a back-to-back game.