Multiple scuffles amplify rivalry in Mavericks' Game 3 win over Clippers

Going into Game 3, the Dallas Mavericks were tied with the LA Clippers 1-1 after splitting with the Clippers on the road.

Dallas had a lousy performance in the first half of the Game 1 loss, but their performance in the second half of that game gave them the momentum they needed to win Game 2.

In an extremely intense Game 3, Dallas won 101-90, and this win was fueled by the Mavs' dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. This duo combined for 43 points, 14 rebounds, and 15 assists, and the Clippers had no answer for either one of them.

Multiple scuffles amplify rivalry in Mavericks' Game 3 win over Clippers

While Doncic and Irving's dominance were the keys to victory along with the play of several role players, several different scuffles broke out during this game that made the Mavs and Clippers rivalry bigger than it already was.

The first play that set the tone for the rest of the game when it comes to physicality was when Russell Westbrook was called for a flagrant one after he made contact with Josh Green's head when going for the block in the second quarter. Westbrook pleaded his case after the call was announced as a flagrant foul, and he was booed every time he touched the ball for the rest of the game.

Later in the game, Terrance Mann went at P.J. Washington as he was walking to the other end of the floor, got in his face, and the two had to be separated. This resulted in Washington and Mann both being assessed technical fouls.

Washington never made contact with Mann and it looks like Mann started the whole thing, but they were both still given technical fouls.

The play that put the cherry on top when it comes to intensity and chippy play was in the fourth quarter, and once again, it involved Westbrook.

As Doncic was driving the ball, Westbrook grabbed him from behind. Westbrook then shoved Doncic, and Washington came over to stick up for his teammate and barely shoved Westbrook. Westbrook was given two technical fouls on this play while Washington was given one, and both players were ejected.

Westbrook was getting into it with seemingly everyone on the Mavs, and this rivalry between the Mavs and Clippers that dates back to the 2020 NBA Playoffs continues to grow with new storylines forming every game. In Game 2, it was Irving and James Harden who were going back and forth and tonight it was Westbrook with everyone.

Dallas' next game against the Clippers is on Sunday.

For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks' fierce battle with the LA Clippers in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, stay tuned.