Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic nets 42 in Game 1 loss to LA Clippers

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic drops 42 points in Game 1 loss to LA Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks kicked off their first-round playoff series against the LA Clippers on Monday night inside the Walt Disney World bubble. It was the team’s first playoff game since 2016. Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic played his first-ever NBA postseason game.

The Clippers had dominated the Mavs in the three regular season meetings. LA won each including two by 15 points. Their superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George has caused problems for the Mavericks all season. Dallas needed Luka Doncic to be great to sway the tide in the playoffs.

He did just that on Monday night, but it still was not enough. The Clippers won 118-110 despite 42 points from Doncic. Let us take a look at his performance including his best plays from game one of their first-round playoff series.

Luka Doncic nets 42 in Dallas Mavericks loss to LA Clippers in Game 1

It was a rough start for the Mavericks and their superstar. The Clippers jumped out to a 10-0 lead less than two minutes into the game. Luka had four turnovers and did not take a shot during that stretch.

Doncic connected on a driving lay-in just after the timeout. It was his first playoff bucket. Luka hit the floor seconds later and was seen grabbing his left ankle. He made another basket before exiting with 7:17 left in the first. Luka went straight back to the locker room. The start could not have been worse for Mavericks fans.

Doncic returned with 3:54 left in the first quarter. There was no sign of the ankle injury. Luka got cooking to finish the first quarter with 11 points, two rebounds, and three assists as Dallas grabbed a four-point lead at the end of the period thanks to this three from the 21-year-old.

Dallas was not done. They pushed the lead to 12 before Luka headed back to the bench for a rest with just over eight minutes remaining in the second. It was an incredible turnaround for both Doncic and the Mavericks.

The Clippers came right back, though. They cut the lead to five while Luka was on the bench. LA tied it up with 2:49 remaining in the second, but Dallas grabbed a three-point halftime lead. He showed off his unbelievable passing ability. See this incredible assist to Seth Curry in the second quarter.

Doncic had 19 points, five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and seven turnovers in 18 minutes at the break.

Next: Second half