Mavs Drop Controversial Game One Despite Doncic’s Record Setting Night

The Los Angeles Clippers overcame a record-breaking performance from Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic to capture Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round playoffs 118-110 from the NBA campus in Orlando.

Doncic’s 42 points are the most ever by a player in his first postseason game, but the Clippers have their own superstar in reigning NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, who had 29 points and 12 rebounds.

The Clippers got out to an 18-2 lead to start the game, but the Mavericks battled back to take a 50-36 lead and were up 71-66 with 9:10 remaining in the third quarter when Kristaps Porzingis was ejected following his second technical foul of the game.

Porzingis and Clippers guard Marcus Morris Sr. had a confrontation after Morris refused to let go of Doncic following a foul. The referees reviewed the skirmish and gave both players technical fouls.

“I saw him getting into Luka’s face and I didn’t like that. That’s why I reacted.” Porzingis said. “That’s a smart, smart thing to do from their part. I’ve just got to be smarter and control my emotions, especially on the first one.”

Porzingis had been whistled for a technical in the first half when he punched in the air after being called for a foul that replays confirmed was not a foul.

“KP had my back. He did it for me. He did it for his teammate. He had my back,” Doncic said. “Not just me, but the whole team appreciates that. I don’t think it was fair to take him out of the game, especially in the playoffs. We had to play without him, which was tough.”

Paul George added 27 points and Lou Williams had 14 points off the bench for Los Angeles.

Tim Hardaway, Jr. had 18 for Dallas while Seth Curry added 14 off the bench.

Game 2 is Wednesday at 8 p.m. CT.