Mavs’ Luka Dončić Amazes NBA Fans amid Knee Injury in Game 5 Win vs. George, Clippers
Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIMay 2, 2024
Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
Despite being hampered by a right knee sprain and an upper respiratory illness, Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Luka Dončić posted 35 points on 14-of-26 shooting, 10 assists and seven rebounds in a dominant 123-93 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers, giving his team a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series.
After the Mavs’ Game 4 loss, Dončić expressed disappointment in his play and said he had to help out teammate Kyrie Irving more.
“I just got to help him more,” Dončić told reporters regarding Irving. “I feel like I’m letting him down, so I got to be there. I got to help him more. He’s given everything that he has, and he’s been amazing for us the whole series.”
Well, Dončić did that and then some on Wednesday, and now Dallas will go back home with a chance to clinch the first-round series win and a date with the Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 2.
Dončić scored 20 or more points than literally any other player who took the floor with him on Wednesday. Maxi Kleber’s 15 points were second-most on the Mavs, while Paul George and Ivica Zubac’s 15 apiece paced the Clips.
Los Angeles, who remained without forward Kawhi Leonard (right knee inflammation), shot just 37.9 percent from the field and 9-of-35 from three-point range. The Mavs also outscored the Clippers by 29 points over the final three quarters.
Ultimately, this was the Luka Dončić show, and fans and analysts alike praised his tremendous game.
Berkan MFFL @BerkanMFFLLuka. Doncic.
You always have hope. Even when he’s sick and on one knee
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahonPlaying sick and on a sprained knee, Luka Doncic (34-7-10) had his best performance of the series to lead the Mavs to a blowout in pivotal Game 5. Doncic takes a seat with 5:39 left and Dallas up four touchdowns.
Melek Robinson @MRobinsonJRSMjust a reminder, Luka is on one knee
Chris Williamson @CWilliamson44Luka doing this on one good knee !! He and Embiid been gutting out some admirable wins
Mark Jackson’s Burner @casualtakekingLUKA DONCIC TONIGHT:
35 POINTS
10 ASSISTS
7 REBOUNDS
14-26 FG
OWNS THE CLIPPERS 🥶 https://t.co/y2cCzGT5kV pic.twitter.com/7PdSSUpfHq
Mace @mchalfant_80Luka really said sprained knee and flu? No prob let’s drop 30+
Jason Asenap @asenapLuka’s knee looks fine the man putting on a clinic!
Tadi Abedje @realTadiAbedjeThe Mavericks put on a Game 5 stomper on the Clippers in the City of Angels. Luka Doncic aka Luka The Don was spectacular as he usually is, almost getting a triple-double with 35 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. A complete domination!!#OneForDallas #NBA #NBAPlayoffs
Landon Thomas @sixfivelandoLuka Dončić is playing on a sprained knee and has been sick for a week.
He just recorded 35 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds and 1 steal in a playoff game on the road against the Clippers.
Thats tough.
LuKAI @CoryTXSportsTook responsibility for struggling even tho he’s sick an injured and bounced back on the road, series tied 2-2. Don’t EVER question Luka Doncic again. #MFFL https://t.co/utZPqPfdxJ
Mack Hubbard @BlacknoveLuka Doncic showed up & balled out tonight #DALvsLAC #NBAPlayoffs
erick🦦 @erickattttluka doncic 🐐
kisportal @kiaportalLuka Doncic the man that you are! 🔥 #NBAPlayoffs
Dallas will host L.A. for Game 6 on Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
