Irving and Doncic are not enough
Dallas Mavericks are off to a terrible playoff start
April 22, 2024, 7:21 a.m
What kind of first half was that for the Dallas Mavericks? In the first play-off duel with the Los Angeles Clippers, not much goes together for Dirk Nowitzki’s former team. Only 30 points were achieved and almost nothing came from the three-point line.
Even without superstar Kawhi Leonard and without world champion Daniel Theis, the Los Angeles Clippers got off to a dream start in the NBA play-offs. At the start of the championship round, the Californians gave the Dallas Mavericks with Maximilian Kleber no chance at 109:97, the guests from Texas presented themselves weakly.
In front of club idol Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas disappointed in the first half. They only managed a measly 30 points, and the shooting rate was weak, only two of 18 three-point attempts ended up in the basket (11.1 percent) – nothing worked for the Mavericks. LA had to make do without Leonard again due to inflammation in his knee. The Clippers’ top scorer was James Harden (28). Kyrie Irving and superstar Luca Doncic led the way with 31 and 33 points, but there wasn’t enough from the Texans, especially from the bench. For the Clippers, however, five players scored in double figures.
The Boston Celtics also started with a win. The best team in the main round dominated against the former champions Miami Heat, who qualified via the play-in tournament, and clearly won 114:94 at their home TD Garden. Last season, Miami shattered the Celtics’ dreams when they won the Conference Finals in game seven. This time, however, Jayson Tatum provided the first small revenge. The star player recorded his first playoff triple-double with 23 points as well as ten rebounds and assists each.
Without top star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks won the first game against the Indiana Pacers at home with 109:94. The Bucks could thank Damian Lillard, who scored all of his 35 points in the first half and ensured the decisive lead. The closest duel on the first day of the playoffs took place in Oklahoma City. There the local Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 94:92. However, the best team from the West had more trouble than expected. The most successful thrower of the game was MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 28 points.