The Boston Celtics are in the next round, which is also getting closer for the Dallas Mavericks – because Maxi Kleber sets a season best. The NBA playoffs on Thursday morning
With his best performance so far in this year’s NBA playoffs, Maxi Kleber has helped ensure the Dallas Mavericks are just one win away from the next round. In the 123:93 away win against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Würzburg native drained five threes (5/7) – by far the most of any player on court – to set his season’s best in this category. Kleber scored four times from outside in the first half alone.
Since Luka Doncic also got into the game better and better after that, the Mavs’ third victory in the best-of-seven series was never in danger. The Slovenian, who is battling an infection and knee problems, finished the evening with 35 points, ten assists and seven rebounds. “Once you start, you want to do everything you can to help your team,” said Doncic about his physical problems.
The Clippers, who finished just ahead of the Mavs in the regular season and would therefore have home court advantage in a decisive seventh game, were once again without top scorer Kawhi Leonard, who has a knee injury. Without him, they repeatedly gritted their teeth against Dallas’ defense. Paul George and Ivica Zubac were the hosts’ most successful scorers with just 15 points each. Kleber & Co. can now convert their first match point in front of their home crowd in Game 6 and win a playoff series for the first time since 2022. Their opponents in the conference semi-final would be the Oklahoma City Thunder, for whom four games were enough against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Brown and White lead Celtics to the next round
The Boston Celtics moved on in similarly unchallenged fashion on Thursday night (CEST). The best team in the main round beat the Miami Heat 118:84 at home for their fourth win in their fifth encounter. Having been surprised by Miami in the conference finals a year ago, the Celtics didn’t let anything get to them this time and even led by 37 points at times.
Jaylen Brown alone, who also collected six assists, and Derrick White, who sank five threes among other things, scored 25 points each, while Sam Hauser added a further 17 and Jayson Tatum 16. While Miami has to end its season before the Conference Finals for the first time since 2021, Boston can start the next series well rested because its opponent still has work to do: The Cleveland Cavaliers lead 3-2 against the Orlando Magic, who get to play at home in Game 6.
