NBA: Luka Doncic makes the Clippers doubt, Donovan Mitchell blows up the counters

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The two teams are tied 2-2

A special moment. For Luka Doncic, but also for the whole NBA. “I cannot explain my emotions. I saw the ball come in… then the whole team rush towards me. It was really special. One of the best moments of my career.“Still moved, the prodigy was barely recovering from his heroic action. A few moments earlier, he had struck a blow on the Clippers’ skull by planting an eight-meter shot for the win… and the buzzer! An in-extremis victory , 135-132, of the Mavericks who thus return to the height of their opponents in the series.

A Hollywood scenario for a Texas success. Because Dallas was doubting and sweating profusely before the start of the game. His maestro was uncertain due to a sore ankle – a sprain contracted in Game 2 – while Lt. Kristaps Porzingis forfeited due to a knee problem. Even if the Slovenian was finally able to hold his place, it was the Clippers who started with a bang to take a 21-point lead in the second quarter!

Californians did not hold out over time. They conceded a 0-16 when they returned from the locker room and they were the ones who started chasing the score, under the impetus of Kawhi Leonard (32 pts) and Lou Williamson (36). Cards necessary to compensate for the clumsiness (again!) Of Paul George, limited to 9 points and 3 out of 14 on shots despite 46 minutes spent in the field.

By dint of responding to each other with three-pointers, the two teams ended up in overtime. And so it was in the dying seconds that Doncic finished his opponents with a superb “step-back” behind the arc. 43 points, 17 rebounds and 13 assists for the 21-year-old superstar. A new historic performance: he is the youngest player to achieve such a triple-double in the playoffs. But also the first player since Michael Jordan to score 40 points while achieving such a decisive basket at the buzzer at this stage of the competition. A special moment for a decidedly special basketball player.

Toronto eliminates Brooklyn without forcing

Raptors – Nets : 150-122

Toronto wins series 4-0

The reigning champions are there. And they were not worried by the Nets, deprived of seven players at Disney! By winning the fourth round 150 to 122, the Raptors quietly validated their ticket for the second round. By letting the replacements do the job. 29 points for Norman Powell, 27 for Serge Ibaka. 100 points from the bench. An absolute record in the NBA. Much too much for Brooklyn and for a lonely Caris LeVert (35 pts) in the absence of Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie or even Kevin Durant.

The only downside for Toronto is Kyle Lowry’s foot injury. The leader will take advantage of the next few days to rest. The Canadian team will need its captain for a second round which already promises to be much more complicated. Indeed, the Raptors will find the Celtics, winners of the Sixers, also in four dry innings.

Donovan Mitchell wins titanic duel against Murray

Nuggets – Jazz : 127-129

Utah mène 3-1

You don’t score 50 points every day. Jamal Murray knows all about it. The trigger of the Nuggets reached this legendary bar for the first time in his career tonight. And yet, that was not enough. It was not enough because his Nuggets lost for the third time in a row against the Jazz (127-129). It was not enough because opposite, a man, Donovan Mitchell, scored 51.51 points to win his own.

Unlike the last two meetings, the game was tight from start to finish. Paced by the duel between the two snipers. Mitchell, who already scored 57 points in Game 1, was more decisive in key moments. But also better supported. With 17 points and 11 rebounds from Rudy Gobert and 26 points from Mike Conley. Utah therefore now leads 3 to 1 and finds itself successful in qualifying for the second round.