Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic unbelievable in Game 5 win over Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks topped the LA Clippers 105-100 in Game 5 on Wednesday night. They blew a massive lead in the fourth quarter, but held on behind an otherworldly performance from Luka Doncic. The Mavs are now up 3-2 in the series as things shift back to Dallas.

The Mavs made some massive changes in Game 5. Boban Marjanovic started for the first time in the playoffs and just the fourth time this season. Dallas shifted to playing a lot of zone defense. The adjustments worked as the Mavericks won on June 2 to grab the advantage in the series.

Luka Doncic was incredible in Game 5. Here is a closer look at his performance and what to expect going forward as the Mavs look to close out the series.

Luka Doncic is unbelievable as Dallas Mavericks defeat Clippers in Game 5

Doncic came out firing on Wednesday night. He drilled five 3-pointers in the first quarter, including multiple stepbacks to lift Dallas to an early lead.

Luka went for 19 points in the first on seven of 11 shooting from the field as the Mavs were up by seven after 12 minutes. The 22-year-old had it on display early at the Staples Center as he put up the most points by a Maverick in the opening quarter of a playoff game since 2003.

The Clippers cut Dallas’ lead to one with Doncic on the bench. The Mavericks superstar returned with just over nine minutes remaining in the second quarter. Kristaps Porzingis picked up his third foul early in the period, and Dallas’ offense struggled to just 21 in the period. The Mavs were still up two at the break behind Luka’s 27 points and eight assists in the first half.

Dallas had a massive 16-0 run to finish the third quarter that was ignited by a few turnovers. Luka finished off this alley-oop on one of the plays.

The 22-year-old had 13 in the third to give him 40 for the game. He was orchestrating beautifully with 12 assists to go along with his massive scoring to lift the Mavericks to 14-point lead entering the fourth. See the triple for 40 below.

The Clippers cut the lead to ten with Doncic on the bench, but he was back in the game with 9:41 remaining. The Mavs offense stagnated late but they held on for their third win at the Staples Center in the series. Dallas only scored 16 in the fourth. It was a few key buckets late that was just enough for the Mavericks to pick up the win.

Luka Doncic finished with 42 points, eight rebounds, 14 assists, and one steal in Game 5. He was 17 of 37 from the field, including hitting six 3-pointers to lift his team to a massive victory. Doncic had his second 40-point game of the series.

The two teams lock horns again on Friday night at the American Airlines Center with the series on the line. The Dallas Mavericks have a chance to finish things off at home. Expect another incredible game from Luka Doncic, but he will need more help for his team to close it out on June 4. Do not miss it.