Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic scores 22 in Game 5 loss to LA Clippers

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic drops 22 in Game 5 loss to the LA Clippers

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic was coming off the best game of his NBA career. He had a 43-point triple-double as the Mavs upset the LA Clippers to even their first-round playoff series. It was an incredible performance made unbelievable when considering Doncic fought through a sprained ankle, and the Mavericks played without Kristaps Porzingis.

The two teams were back in action on Tuesday night. It was the swing game in the series. The victor would be on the doorstep entering game six. Both teams wanted to get that advantage. Dallas was again with Porzingis, though.

Luka Doncic and the Mavs got off to a slow start. They never recovered as the Clippers ran away with the win in game five. Doncic had plenty of highlights, though. Here is a look at his best plays from Tuesday night.

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic drops 22 points in Game 5 loss to LA Clippers

It was a rough start for Luka and the Mavs. The Clippers were double-teaming and trying to get him to pass the ball early. LA also went on a 19 to zero run to grab the lead. They were up by 19 points at the end of the first. Turnovers were the story. Doncic had three of the team’s seven in the first 12 minutes.

Luka had nine points, two rebounds, and two assists after playing the entire opening quarter. He continued to attack and get into the paint. Here is a beautiful floater from the 21-year-old superstar.

The Clippers expanded their lead to 24 after 24 minutes. They were 28 of 46 from the field including making ten 3-pointers. Dallas had no answer. Doncic had 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in 19 minutes in the first half.

Luka drilled his patented step back 3-pointer in the third quarter.

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Dallas could just never get back into the game. They trailed by 25 after three quarters. The Clippers were shooting 60.0 percent from the field and had 111 points. It was just LA’s night inside the Orlando bubble.

Luka Doncic never returned in the fourth quarter. He had 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one block, and five turnovers in 31 minutes of action. Doncic was six of 17 from the field and nine of 14 on his free throws. The Clippers consistently threw double teams at him in game five. See all of his best plays here.

The two teams will be back for game six on Thursday evening. LA has a chance to close out the series. The Mavericks are hoping Kristaps Porzingis is back on the floor. They will need to play better defense on Thursday to have any chance of extending the series. Do not count out Luka Doncic and the Mavs, though. Fans will not want to miss it.