Sports

Clippers beat Mavs 104-97, force Game 7

By David Villafranca

Los Angeles, USA, Jun 5 (EFE).- A colossal performance by Kawhi Leonard, with 45 points, rescued the Los Angeles Clippers to force a decisive Game 7 against the Dallas Mavericks after a 104-97 win in Texas.

Leonard blew through Dallas like a tornado in what has been one of the most evenly-matched and exciting first-round playoffs.

For the first time in NBA history, the visiting side has won every encounter in this Western conference playoff so the Clippers will have to hope the curse is reversed in the tie-break in LA on Sunday night.

Leonard’s performance was complemented by Reggie Jackson, who bagged 25 points and nine rebounds and Paul George with 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Slovenian Luka Doncic left mouths agape with his brilliant showing in Game 6 with 29 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists, but could not slow down Leonard.

Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 29 points for the Mavericks while Serge Ibaka was out injured.

The spotlight was on Doncic, Leonard and George, but the night began with the role of the supporting actors.

With an electric performance and two very early three-pointers, Hardaway Jr. put the Mavs ahead (14-10 with 7.05 to play).

The Clippers got bogged down as Dallas fell back on towering players like Boban Marjanovic and Kristaps Porzingis to fight against the Los Angeles team.

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