The Dallas Mavericks and their top performer Luka Doncic have taken the lead in the playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Timberwolves are on the verge of advancing to the second round
The Dallas Mavericks have taken a 2:1 lead in the first round series of the NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers. On Friday (local time), the Texans won their first home game in the best-of-seven series 101:90. The fourth clash will take place again in Dallas on Sunday (local time). Luka Doncic put in a great performance, narrowly missing out on a triple double with 22 points, ten rebounds and nine assists, while Maxi Kleber chalked up three points and three assists.
Five technical fouls and one unsportsmanlike foul were handed out in a heated game; Russell Westbrook of the Clippers and P.J. Washington of the Mavericks were sent off midway through the fourth quarter after shoving and a scuffle. At this point, the Mavs were already leading by 16 points and the hosts had pulled away after a dominant second quarter (36:18).
Middletons 42 points too few – Timberwolves on the verge of advancing
Tyrese Haliburton led the Indiana Pacers to a 121-118 home overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks, giving the Pacers a 2-1 lead in the series after wins. Haliburton hit his shot with 1.6 seconds left to tie the game despite being fouled and converted the bonus free throw for the final score. He recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 16 assists and ten rebounds. The Bucks, who were once again without their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, were led by Khris Middleton. The 32-year-old scored 42 points and saved his team with a three-pointer in overtime.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the verge of advancing to the second playoff round. The third-placed team in the main round also won its third game against the Phoenix Suns and only needs one more win to progress after the 126:109 away victory. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 36 points. The team from Minneapolis would thus win a playoff series for the first time since 2004.
