By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The series began with a win for the Los Angeles Clippers, despite a strong performance from Luka Doncic.
However, Doncic continued to deliver, and the results followed. The Dallas Mavericks took a 2-1 lead in the NBA Playoff series by defeating the Clippers at home, 101-90.
Doncic fell just one assist short of a triple-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Another standout performance by Doncic was complemented by Kyrie Irving’s 21 points, Dereck Lively’s 13, Derrick Jones’ 11, and P.J. Washington’s 10.
Ivica Zubac had another solid game for the Clippers, scoring 19 points and eight rebounds. James Harden and Norman Powell each scored 21 points.
The Milwaukee Bucks suffered another loss without Giannis Antetokounmpo, falling in overtime to the Indiana Pacers, 121-118.
The Pacers now lead the series with their second consecutive win, thanks to Myles Turner’s 29 points and nine rebounds and Tyrese Haliburton’s triple-double of 18 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds.
The Bucks couldn’t secure the win despite Khris Middleton’s 42 points and 10 rebounds, Damian Lillard’s 28 points, and Bobby Portis’ 17 points and 18 rebounds off the bench.
Lastly, the Phoenix Suns lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 109-126, with the Minneapolis side now leading 3-0 in the series for the first time in franchise history.
Rudy Gobert, with 19 points and 14 rebounds, played a significant role in the Timberwolves’ third triumph in the First Round series, but Anthony Edwards stole the show with 36 points and nine boards.
Despite Bradley Beal’s 28 points, Kevin Durant’s 25, and Devin Booker’s 23, it wasn’t enough for the Suns, who are now on the brink of elimination.