Luka Doncic’s franchise-best playoff 1st quarter leads Mavericks early against Clippers
It did not matter if Luka Doncic was less than 100% healthy Wednesday night.
The Dallas Mavericks 22-year-old superstar came out scorching against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5 of the best-of-7 series at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The series is tied 2-2 with each team winning both games on the other’s court.
Doncic made six of his first eight shots, including 5 for 5 from the 3-point arc, and had 19 points in the first quarter. The Mavs led 35-28 to start the second quarter. His 19 points are the most ever by a Mavs player in the first quarter of a playoff game. Dirk Nowitzki previously held the franchise record with 18 points in the first quarter against the Kings on May 8, 2003.
Doncic strained his neck during Game 3 and was in obvious pain during Game 4. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle estimated Doncic was feeling about 85% healthy.
The Mavs led 56-54 at halftime. Doncic finished the first half with a game-high 27 points on 10 of 19 shooting, with eight assists and three rebounds. No other player on either team had more than 11 points.
This story was originally published June 2, 2021 at 9:57 PM.
