The Dallas Mavericks are locked in a tough battle with the Los Angeles Clippers in their first-round series of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Both teams have split their games on their home court, as Dallas won Games 2 and 3, while Los Angeles was victorious in Games 1 and 4.
With the series now shifting back to Los Angeles, it has become a three-game affair. The next team to win two games will advance to the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs and a matchup with the winner between Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans.
Game 4 was a tough one for the Mavericks, as they trailed by as many as 31 but were able to climb back into it in the second half. They were able to take the lead late in the fourth quarter but were unable to finish the comeback, losing 116-111.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks Updates
With the loss, the Mavericks made some NBA history. They are the first team to lose a game in regulation during the postseason in which a player scored at least 40 points and another recorded a triple-double.
Of course, those players would be Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Irving has been excellent in the series, as he scored 40 points with seven rebounds and five assists in the loss. Doncic had 29 points to go along with 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Despite that triple-double and some gaudy statistics throughout the series, Doncic feels that he is letting down Irving and his team. He spoke about it after the game, with the quote provided by Grant Afseth of MavericksGameday.com and NBA Analysis Network.
“I just got to help him more. I feel like I’m letting him down, so I got to be there, I got to help him more. He’s giving everything he has and he’s been amazing for us the whole series,” Doncic said after the Game 4 loss.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks Updates
For the Mavericks to advance in the playoffs, they need Doncic playing at a high level. While it is good to see the leader of the team taking accountability and the onus on his shoulders, it will take more than a two-man show to defeat the Clippers.
Dallas needs to get contributions from everyone up and down their roster. Doncic will lead the way along with Irving, but the supporting cast needs to step it up, especially with at least one more victory needing to be achieved on the road.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
