Maximilian Kleber and Co. have to improve. The start of the NBA playoffs goes badly wrong for the Dallas Mavericks. The NBA on Monday morning
The Dallas Mavericks have started the first round of the NBA playoffs with a defeat in front of club idol Dirk Nowitzki. The team led by Maximilian Kleber lost 97:109 at the Los Angeles Clippers. The series continues on Wednesday, again in Los Angeles. Four wins are needed to advance to the next round.
The Mavs squandered a successful start to the decisive phase of the season in the first half, when they managed just 30 points, only eight of which came in the second quarter. Although Kyrie Irving and superstar Luca Doncic led the way with 31 and 33 points, the Texans came up short, especially from the bench. Kleber finished with three points and three rebounds
In addition, the shooting percentage was poor, with just two out of 18 three-point attempts landing in the basket (11.1 percent). “Luka found the free man. We just didn’t shoot well,” complained Mavs’ Head Coach Jason Kidd, but also said: “I like the way we played in the second half and we have to build on that.”
Five players scored in double figures for the Clippers – even though superstar Kawhi Leonard was missing again due to knee inflammation. The top scorer for the Clippers, for whom world champion Daniel Theis did not play, was James Harden (28). Ivica Zubac also impressed with 20 points and 15 rebounds.
Celtics start with a clear win
The Boston Celtics started the playoffs 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 won at home in the TD Garden by a clear 114:94.
Last season, Miami shattered the Celtics’ title 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, ten rebounds and ten assists each.
Lillard provides a decisive lead
Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks won the first game against the Indiana Pacers 109:94 in front of their home crowd. The Bucks were able to thank Damian Lillard, who scored all of his 35 points in the first half and provided the decisive lead.
The closest duel of the first playoff matchday took place in Oklahoma City. The Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 94:92, but the best team from the West had more trouble than expected. The game’s most successful scorer was MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 28 points.
