There was only one game on Friday night’s schedule of NBA playoff action. It was a elimination game featuring the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks in Game 6. The message was clear for the Clippers down 3-2. Either win the game and travel back to Los Angeles for Game 7 or just travel back to Los Angeles to start the offseason.
SLAM breaks down a historic NBA playoff first-round series:
No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers 104, No. 5 Dallas Mavericks 97
Series tied 3-3
This is the first-round series that will not end. The Dallas Mavericks are the odds on favorite to win this series on Sunday. Why? The Mavs are the road team. With the Clippers coming back to tie the series and force a Game 7, this is the first time in NBA playoff history that the road team has won the first six games without a loss.
The Los Angeles Clippers didn’t stop Luka Doncic in this game, but they made him work just enough as he finished with 29 points and 11 assists.
The story of this game was Kawhi Leonard. The two-time champion showed why he will always be in the conversation as one of the top five players in the NBA. This report does not do him justice.
He can score on the inside and dunk on you.
Vicious. (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/AY7SeY35bV
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) June 5, 2021
He can dance with anyone to set up the mid range.
Kawhi’s midrange game is lethal. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/a6DVdrzr0M
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) June 5, 2021
Then he can send you home with a step back 3 pointer. He gave Luka a taste of what he had been doing to his teammates all series long.
KAWHI IS DIALED IN. (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/otiYjgIe6G
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) June 5, 2021
Kawhi Leonard finished with 45 points (18-25 shooting!) spurred on by five shots from long distance. He had a personal 11-0 run in the third quarter to get the Clippers back in the game and found time to fill out the stat sheet with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Easily one of the top five early performances of these playoffs.
Game 7 is on Sunday at 3:30 pm EST on ABC. Don’t miss it.
