James Harden led the Los Angeles Clippers to a 109-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 28 points in his playoff debut.
Harden, establishing strong on-court chemistry with Ivica Zubac, who contributed 20 points and 15 rebounds, celebrated Zubac’s performance as a “perfect game for a big.”
Dallas’ Kyrie Irving acknowledged the Clippers’ challenges, noting the Hall of Famers’ presence on the opposing team. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue highlighted this strength by directing the game’s opening play to Zubac, reinforcing their strategic approach.
Zubac, in his sixth season with the Clippers, expressed his resolve to make an impactful presence in the post, aiming to be his best for the team. Harden demonstrated his skill beyond scoring by adding eight assists and making 6 of 11 three-point attempts. Paul George supported with 22 points as the Clippers excelled in three-point shooting, making 18 of 36 attempts compared to Dallas’ 10 of 33.
Despite missing Kawhi Leonard due to knee inflammation, the Clippers showcased their depth. Contributions from Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell off the bench emphasized the team’s playoff experience. George spoke about the team’s anticipation of Leonard’s return and their advantage of having experienced players.
This victory against the Mavericks, the third playoff meeting between the two in five years, continued the Clippers’ previous success. George praised the team’s “next man up” mentality, highlighting their adaptability and collective effort in pursuing playoff success.
