The NBA playoffs are heating up, and there's one match-up that's already got fans buzzing 🤩: the Dallas Mavericks taking on the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs!
This isn't just any series—it's the third showdown between the Clippers and the Mavericks' superstar Luka Doncic since he burst onto the NBA scene in 2018. In their previous duels in 2020 and 2021, Luka put up video game numbers 🎮: averaging 31 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game in 2020, and an even more jaw-dropping 35.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game in 2021.
But even with Doncic playing like an MVP 🏆, the Mavericks fell short, losing the series 4-2 in 2020 and 4-3 in 2021. It was like watching an epic movie sequel where the hero fights valiantly but just can't clinch the victory 🎬.
The pattern was eerily similar both times: Luka dominated early on, leaving the Clippers scrambling to contain him. But as the series dragged on, fatigue set in 😓. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers' silent assassin, stepped up big time in the fourth quarters. No matter who the Mavericks threw at him, Leonard was unstoppable, sealing the deal for his team 🔥.
So, the big question is: can Luka and the Mavericks flip the script this time around? Will the third time be the charm? It's a classic underdog story that has all of us on the edge of our seats 🎢. One thing's for sure: this series is going to be must-watch TV for basketball fans everywhere 🏀📺. Stay tuned!
Reference(s):
NBA playoffs preview: Can Luka Doncic beat Clippers this time?
cgtn.com
