Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic triple-doubles in Game 1 win over Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks kicked off the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 22 as they topped the favored LA Clippers 113-103 in Game 1. It promised to be a tense series with plenty of excitement, and the opener did not disappoint.

Luka Doncic went off against the Clippers again. It did not top his 42-point triple-double in Game 4 of the 2020 series, but he was outstanding. LA threw multiple defenders at him in the fourth quarter to slow him down, but the 22-year-old superstar still finished with 31 points, ten rebounds, 11 assists, one steal, and two blocks. The Mavs outscored the Clippers by 19 during Luka’s 41 minutes on the floor.

Here is a closer look at Game 1 and the incredible performance from Luka in the Game 1 win over the LA Clippers.

Luka Doncic triple-doubles as Dallas Mavericks top LA Clippers in Game 1

Luka had it locked in for Game 1 of the playoffs, and the Clippers did not have an answer. Dallas raced out to an early lead with Doncic leading the show. See him put on a show here.

Doncic did it with his passing too in the first half. See him hit a beautiful Euro step before finding Hardaway Jr. for a wide-open 3-pointer.

Luka had 21 points in the first half to continue his playoff dominance. He has scored 20-plus in one half in five of his first seven NBA playoffs. The 22-year-old continues to amaze.

Doncic picked up right where he left off in the second half. See him hit an unbelievable shot in the third quarter here.

The 22-year-old superstar had 30 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists through three quarters as the Mavericks lead by six heading into the fourth.

The Clippers were not going to roll over. They got hot to start the fourth and took the lead. It turned into a wild back and forth quarter, but a late run by the Mavs sealed the victory. Dallas stole homecourt with the win and in the driver’s seat for the upset early.

Luka Doncic had his third triple-double in his first seven NBA playoff games. It was an incredible performance from their star when the Mavericks needed it most. The Mavericks won their first Game 1 of a playoff series since 2011.

Tim Hardaway Jr. was key for Dallas. He had 21 points on eight of 13 shooting from the field in Game 1. Dorian Finney-Smith stood out on both ends of the floor. He had 18 points and kept the Clippers superstars in check to secure the win. Jalen Brunson scored 15, including some clutch free throws to seal the win.

The two teams are back in action on Tuesday night for Game 2. It is a 9:30 p.m. CT tipoff. Fans will not want to miss what should be another wild and exciting game. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for everything on the Dallas Mavericks versus LA Clippers series.