LA Clippers start with success against Dallas in the NBA West playoffs – Around the world and at home

The Los Angeles Clippers are off to a strong start in the NBA playoffs. Tarion Lue’s basketball players beat the Dallas Mavericks 109:97 in the first meeting of the Western Conference quarterfinals at the “Crypto Arena” and took a 1-0 lead in the series. The second leg is on April 24 (Wednesday) again in Los Angeles.

The opening minutes were under the control of Paul George and Ivica Zubac, and were the basis for the hosts to keep the lead in their hands. Luka Doncic helped the visitors wake up, but James Harden made sure the “Scissors” enjoyed a 12-point lead at the end of the opening period. Russell Westbrook, Harden and Zubac helped the Clippers retreat to the locker room at 56:30.

The trend did not change in the third part, when the “scissors” extended their penalty action and until the final whistle denied the Mavericks any attempts to turn around.

Without Kawhi Leonard, who is injured, James Harden was the key to success for the Clippers, scoring 28 points, 8 assists and 6 long-range shots. Paul George registered 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 successful shots from behind the arc. Ivica Zubac finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Terrence Mann and Russell Westbrook scored 13 points each.

Luka Doncic excelled for Dallas with 33 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 triples. Kyrie Irving registered 31 points and PJ Washington finished with 11 and 7 rebounds.

Shai Gilges-Alexander scored 28 points, including a key basket in the final minute, to lead Oklahoma City to a 94-92 win over New Orleans in another game in the Western Conference quarterfinals.

New Orleans’ CJ McCullum missed a 3-pointer in the final seconds and the Thunder won their first home playoff game since 2019.

Jaylen Williams scored 19 points and Chet Holmgren added 15 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks for the Thunder, who will host Game 2 on Wednesday night. Trey Murphy III scored 21 points and McCullum had 20 for the Pelicans.

Gilges-Alexander made a basket with 32.5 seconds left to make it 92-90 and was fouled. He succeeded in one of two free throws for 93:90. McCullum got two points back, but Holmgren was fouled with 14 seconds left. He missed his first attempt but was accurate on his second to make it 94-92.

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