Mavericks Demolish Clippers in Game 5 to Take Control of their Series

(Luka Doncic shoots over Amir Coffey in game 5 of their playoff series. Photo by Bryan Boado @ Tangent Zine)

In what could be their final home game in downtown Los Angeles, the Clippers were handed the biggest defeat in their post season history losing by 30 points to the Dallas Mavericks, 123-93.

It was one of those miserable nights when the Clippers superstars just don't pop. Paul George, Russel Westbrook and James Harden seem to play with blindfolds on and could not sink a shot, even when left open. Against an intense, physical Dallas defense employed on them, Westbrook, Harden and George combined to shoot 8 of 36, including 3-of-13 from 3-point range.

(James Harden goes for his trademark floater against the Dallas Mavericks. Photo by Bryan Boado @ Tangent Zine)

(Ivica Zubac dunks over Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford. Photo by Bryan Boado @ Tangent Zine)

Clippers coach Ty Lue echoed his sentiments post-game, “We just didn’t play well all around, defensively, offensively, we just didn’t play a good game, that’s okay, turn the page, they still have to win four games.

(Derrick Jones Jr. in an alley-oop play in game 5 against the LA Clippers. Photo by Bryan Boado @ Tangent Zine)

Playing with a sprained right knee and upper respiratory illness, Luka magic was in full effect. The Slovenian superstar tallied 35 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists while his co-star Kyrie Irving logged 14 points and six assists. Former slam dunk champion Derrick Jones Jr. remains to be a menace for the Clippers offense as he blocked three shots and forced the players he is guarding to a turnover or a miss.

The Mavericks now lead the series 3-2 with homecourt advantage in their favor. Dončić and company will have a chance to close out the series in Game 6 in Dallas on Friday (6:30 p.m. PST, ESPN)

(Photos by Bryan Boado @ Tangent Zine)