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The 2024 NBA Playoffs are growing intense with the Dallas Mavericks taking a 2-1 lead against the LA Clippers in the Western Conference Round 1. While Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving came up big at the American Airlines Center on Friday night, Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook combined for just 17 points. Apart from that, Clippers guard Westbrook was ejected following a hard foul on Luka Doncic leading to a tussle with PJ Washington, who was also ejected.
With 6:10 remaining in the fourth quarter when the Mavericks were up by 16 points, Westbrook grabbed Doncic's arm as he tried the Mavericks guard tried to drive past him. The Slovenian approached Westbrook to confront him about the hard foul, however, the Clippers guard pushed Doncic away.
Following that, Dallas forward PJ Washington shoved Westbrook from behind, which led the 35-year-old to hit Washington in the chest with his left hand. While the referees and players from both sides tried to separate the two, Westbrook appeared to push an official. This incident led to double ejections as Westbrook received two technicals for his actions while Washington received his second technical and was also ejected.
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The Mavericks took a 2-1 lead against the fourth-placed Clippers in the Western Conference Round 1 after a 101-90 victory. Luka Doncic went one assist shy to record a triple-double as he registered 22 points, 9 assists, and 10 rebounds. On the other hand, Kyrie Irving, who had a slow start to the game, scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half with six assists and four rebounds.
The Mavericks are scheduled to host the Clippers at the American Airlines Center for Game 4 on Sunday, April 28.