The Los Angeles Clippers continued their dominance in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, securing a convincing 109-97 victory on Sunday afternoon. Russell Westbrook showcased his skills on the court, contributing 13 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in just 23 minutes of game time. With an impressive field goal percentage of 5/8 and three-point percentage of 2/4, Westbrook also made NBA history by surpassing Steph Curry on the all-time playoff assists list, now ranking 21st overall.Despite no longer being considered a superstar, Westbrook has proven to be a valuable role player for the Clippers throughout the season. Averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, Westbrook has been a reliable asset on the court with a field goal percentage of 45.4% and three-point percentage of 27.3% in 68 games played.The Clippers, as the fourth seed in the Western Conference, have displayed strong performances throughout the season with a record of 51-31. Their home court advantage in Los Angeles has also been evident, boasting a solid 26-16 record in games played at home. Despite facing a first-round playoff exit last season, the Clippers are determined to make a deeper run this year.On the other hand, the Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic’s impressive 33-point performance, look to bounce back in Game 2 of the series on Tuesday evening in Los Angeles. As the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a record of 50-32, the Mavericks have proven to be a formidable opponent both at home and on the road. With a 25-17 record in away games, the Mavericks are poised to put up a fight in the upcoming games of the series.Stay tuned for more updates on the playoff series between the Clippers and the Mavericks, as both teams battle it out for a spot in the next round. Make sure to follow us for more insightful information and analysis on the latest NBA matchups. Your support and feedback motivate us to continue providing valuable content for our readers. Source: The Wall Street Journal.

In Game 2 of the playoff series, the Los Angeles Clippers once again demonstrated their superiority over the Dallas Mavericks, securing a 117-105 victory. Kawhi Leonard led the charge for the Clippers with an impressive performance of 30 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Leonard’s leadership on the court was evident, as he shot 10/17 from the field and 4/7 from beyond the arc.The Clippers’ depth and versatility were on full display in Game 2, with key contributions from Paul George, who added 23 points and seven assists, and Marcus Morris, who chipped in with 18 points off the bench. The team’s strong defensive effort also played a crucial role in limiting Luka Doncic to 22 points on 8/19 shooting.Despite the Mavericks’ efforts to stage a comeback in the second half, the Clippers maintained their composure and closed out the game with poise. The win gave the Clippers a commanding 2-0 series lead, putting them in a favorable position as the series shifts to Dallas for Game 3.Looking ahead, the Clippers will need to stay focused and continue executing their game plan to secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs. With their sights set on a deep postseason run, the team is determined to build on their success in the first two games and carry the momentum forward.As the series unfolds, basketball fans can expect to see more thrilling matchups and intense competition between the Clippers and the Mavericks. Stay tuned for the latest updates and analysis on this exciting playoff showdown. Your support drives us to deliver quality content and insights on the NBA playoffs and beyond. Source: The Wall Street Journal.