After taking the lead early in Game 2, the Dallas Mavericks are now tied 1-1 with the Los Angeles Clippers in the First Round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving winning their first postseason game together. Lauded by many as the best offensive duo in the NBA, Doncic and Irving scored 55 points combined in Game 2.
Doncic was once again magical, tallying 32 points.
It was his second straight game scoring at least as many points. After revealing the six-year pro revealed a desire to be more aggressive than he was in Game 1, he scored 18 points in the first half. A big-bodied floor general with a lethal shooting touch, it was yet another display of greatness for the future Hall of Famer.
Irving continues to be magnificent, going 4-8 from 3-point range.
It was his second straight game shooting at least 50 percent from 3. Irving did most of his damage in the second-half, scoring 16 points in the final two quarters. An elite shot-creator with a silky touch, Irving continues to lift the Mavs when they need it most. That’s exactly what Dallas wanted from the former No. 1 pick when they traded for him last season.
Playoff Defense
While their scoring will always get the most attention, in Game 2, Doncic and Irving’s defense was arguably the biggest story.
When Doncic was the primary defender, the Clippers shot 2-17 from the field.
Per @ESPNStatsInfo, the Clippers were 2-of-17 from the floor when Luka Doncic was the primary defender tonight. pic.twitter.com/JQSOUjtYvD
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 24, 2024
Using his large frame at 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds, Doncic got down into his defensive stance, moved his feet and forced L.A. to make tough shots over him. Frankly, the Clippers didn’t really test his lateral movement, opting for short area crossovers to try and create space. However, he routinely got a hand up to contest their shots, putting forth more effort than usual at that end. Irving had a team-high three steals, with all three coming in the second half.
After the game, Doncic spoke about his defensive impact in Game 2, saying “it’s playoffs. It’s different… I take pride in my defense too” (h/t The Smoking Cuban’s Noah Weber).
Luka Doncic on his defense tonight:
“It’s playoffs. It’s different. They’re trying to double with me and I say no double. I take pride in my defense too. They’re always going to say that – the haters. But it’s fine. I’m out here enjoying playing basketball. That’s fun man.” pic.twitter.com/IZQWqawkUX
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) April 24, 2024
Irving was all smiles after the game.
Dapper in a southwestern suit, Irving says:
“It’s a physical game both ways and we know what to expect for the rest of the series. Going against some potential Hall of Famers that play the game at a high level and they know personnel very well. So we gotta give ‘em respect but we also gotta go at ‘em and that’s a competitor’s dream.”
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, Apr. 26.
