Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic torched the Los Angeles Clippers for 42 points in Game 1 of the team's first-round matchup with L.A., but he also committed 11 turnovers and was -14 in terms of plus-minus as the Mavs dropped the opener.
Luka did not score as much on Wednesday night. He had a “modest” 28 points and was just 8-for-17 from the field. However, Doncic committed just one turnover, and was +11 when on the floor.
As a result, Dallas picked the Clippers apart to earn a crucial win at even the series at one game apiece.
Luka Doncic told reporters Thursday he was intent on taking care of the ball heading into Game 2, noting the team gets extra possessions and more chances to score.
Luka Doncic last night on going from 11 turnovers in Game 1 to one turnover in Game 2: "That’s what I was looking for. It’s 10 possessions more than the last game, so that’s one of the reasons we won.”
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) August 20, 2020
The Clippers have done their best to impose their will on Doncic whenever he attacks the basket.
Even without the pesky Patrick Beverley on the floor, the Clippers routinely went after Doncic and played physical defense on the second-year star.
Article Continues BelowBut Luka was not to be denied. He kept getting into the lane and finding open teammates on the perimeter as the Clippers defenders crashed.
Dallas made 13 of its 29 three-point attempts and also converted on an even 50-percent of all attempts from the floor.
For his part, Luka continues to dazzle fans and make some of his own histories. But in typical Doncic fashion, the focus is on winning.
Doncic was asked about passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record for most points in his first two playoff games, but he said the Mavs will not be satisfied until they get three more wins.
If Luka continues to take care of the ball, Dallas might do just that.