NBA Playoffs day 13 recap: Dallas Mavericks march on

Day 13 of the NBA playoffs brought intense action as the Dallas Mavericks secured their spot in the Western Conference semifinals, while the Orlando Magic forced a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference.

Led by stellar performances from Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks clinched a crucial victory over the Los Angeles Clippers with a final score of 114–101.

Dončić showcased his all-around skills with 28 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds, while Irving exploded for 28 of his 30 points in the second half.

This win marks the Mavericks’ first triumph over the Clippers in three attempts over the past five seasons, propelling them to face top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the West semifinals.

On the flip side, the Los Angeles Clippers faced early elimination from the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

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Despite efforts from Paul George and James Harden, who contributed 18 points with 11 rebounds and 16 points with 13 assists respectively, the Clippers couldn’t overcome the Mavericks’ dominance.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference showdown, the Orlando Magic delivered a stunning performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers, clinching a 103-96 victory to force a decisive Game 7.

Paolo Banchero led the charge with 27 points, including ten crucial points in the fourth quarter. Donovan Mitchell was also instrumental, scoring an impressive fifty points for the Cavaliers.

Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs added firepower to the Magic’s offense, scoring 26 and 22 points respectively, with Suggs sinking six three-pointers.

Banchero’s leadership propelled the Magic to their largest victory in years, as they aim for their first series victory in fourteen years.

In a nail-biting fourth quarter, Mitchell single-handedly carried the Cavaliers with 18 points, including two critical 3-pointers. With both teams giving their all, Game 7 promises to be an electrifying battle to determine who advances to the next round of the NBA playoffs.