Clippers tie Mavericks series with 116-111 road victory

Paul George and James Harden scored 33 points each as the Los Angeles Clippers staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 116-111 road victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4, thus leveling their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Harden’s late-game heroics were instrumental in the Clippers’ resurgence, as he scored 13 crucial points down the stretch. His decisive run began with 4:39 remaining, where he rattled off three consecutive baskets to break a 98-98 tie.

Despite Kyrie Irving momentarily giving Dallas a 105-104 lead with a timely 3-pointer and layup, George swiftly responded with a clutch 3-pointer to put the Clippers back in the driver’s seat with a 107-105 advantage, a lead they never relinquished.

The series, now tied at 2-2, will shift back to Los Angeles for Game 5 on Wednesday.

Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Irving showcased his scoring prowess with a game-high 40 points on efficient shooting. However, the rest of the Mavericks struggled from beyond the arc, shooting a combined 5-of-21 from 3-point range.

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In contrast, the Clippers found success from deep, finishing 18-of-29 from beyond the arc. Harden’s 4-of-5 shooting from deep, coupled with contributions from Terance Mann and Norman Powell, who both went 3-of-6 and 3-of-5 from 3-point range respectively, proved pivotal in their victory.

Notably, the Clippers secured the win without the services of Kawhi Leonard, who missed Game 4 due to knee inflammation.

Sunday’s contest marked the first in the series where both teams surpassed the 100-point mark, underscoring the competitiveness and offensive firepower on display.