George scored 33 points, shooting 11-for-19 (and 7-for-10 from 3). He got Los Angeles off to a scorching start, notching 16 points in the first quarter and totaling 26 points in the first half in what looked like it would be a Clippers blowout.

James Harden also tallied 33 points for Los Angeles, but was crucial at the end with 15 points in the fourth quarter on 6-for-8 shooting. Overall, he shot 12-for-17 from the field and 4-for-5 on 3-pointers.

“We had no other choice but to hit back”

The Dallas Mavericks almost overcame a massive deficit and suspect officiating to clutch victory from the jaws of defeat. It wasn’t to be, though. James Harden poured in repeated clutch buckets to help the Los Angeles Clippers crush the Mavericks’ dreams of a 3-1 series lead heading back to Los Angeles.

Despite the loss, the afternoon proved thrilling for Dallas fans who attended the game and watched at home. Here’s what the players and coaches had to say after the game.

Luka Doncic

(On his knee and how it affected him on the defensive end…)

“It’s hurting, obviously, but I shouldn’t make excuses. We came out a little sloppy so have to do way better than that.”

(On if his defensive struggles and if his knee has affected his ability to move laterally…)

“I mean, yeah, I was in foul trouble. We said to try to limit [James] Harden’s 3s. I was just trying not to give him 3s. Obviously, it wasn’t good, especially me.”

Irving practically carried the Mavericks in their comeback effort,
providing the only consistent scoring threat while nearly all of his
teammates struggled. The 13-year veteran scored 40 points while hitting
shots from all over the court (including 6-for-12 on 3’s). That tied the
third-highest postseason scoring total of his career.

Kyrie Irving believes his team can carry some positive momentum into a pivotal Game 5 on Wednesday.