The Dallas Mavericks had the Los Angeles Clippers on the ropes. Up 2-0 in their first-round series after stunning the Clippers twice on the road, the Mavs ran out to a 19-point lead early in Game 3 in Dallas. It looked like LA was going to go out sad and be the butt of all the jokes once again after last year's disaster.
Instead, Game 3 immediately flipped once Luka Doncic went to the bench for rest in the first quarter, and the Clippers haven't looked back since. LA went on to win Game 3 and then dominated Game 4 against a gimpy Doncic, putting them in full control as the series returns to Staples Center for Wednesday night's Game 5.
Doncic shouldn't be counted out, even if he's not quite 100%, but it's hard to see how the Mavs recover after squandering their 2-0 series lead on their home court. The Clippers have all the confidence and momentum again, while all those shots Dallas was hitting to start the series aren't going in now.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have put their imprint on this series in a big way. Leonard, in particular, has been an absolute monster, averaging 33.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting a ridiculous 62.7% from the field and 47.6% from 3-point range. The Mavs have zero answer for The Klaw's dominance. George isn't shooting all that well from 3 in this series, but he's at 25.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while shooting an impressive 50% from the field.
Then there's the Clippers' X-factor who has helped swing games: Rajon Rondo.
In just 89 minutes of action off the bench, Rondo leads LA with 23 assists and is second in plus/minus at plus-41. He's shooting 45.5% from the field and has hit five of his 10 3-point attempts after Mark Cuban dared him to shoot. #PlayoffRondo, indeed.
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has also pushed the right buttons to help the Clippers get back in the series. He has changed the starting lineup multiple times, going with a smaller, more versatile look in Game 4 with Marcus Morris at the 5 instead of Ivica Zubac after LA lost Games 1 and 2 and then got crushed to start Game 3. Patrick Beverley has seen his minutes dwindle, with Reggie Jackson starting in his place and Rondo playing his important role off the bench. Terance Mann has also provided energy as a reserve after not playing in Game 1.
The Clippers are rolling right now and appear to be ticketed for a second-round matchup against the Utah Jazz. The Mavs are reeling and totally blew their shot at an upset … unless they shockingly turn the tables the rest of the series. Earth to Kristaps Porzingis!