Jason Kidd’s protégés 101:90 (18:23, 36:18, 24:26, 23:23) defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, who finished a step higher in the regular season.
The Texans took control of the game in the second half, where they were even more capable, 36:18. After this blow, the visitors from California did not come close again, and in the fourth quarter the difference between the teams already exceeded 20 points (91:70).
Russell Westbrook lost his head as the match slipped out of his hands, in the middle of the fourth quarter, he fouled Luka Doncic, who passed him, and then pushed both the Slovenian and PJ Washington and Max Kleber, who came to his defense.
After the review, the referees imposed two more technical penalties on the player, who had previously had an unsportsmanlike foul, and sent him to the locker room. PJ Washington was also offered a shower earlier.
L. Dončičius, who did not shine with accuracy, accumulated 22 points (7/25 shots from the game, 10 rebounds, 9 rebounds), and Kyrie Irving, who shot only after the long break, added 21 points.
For the Clippers, James Harden and Norman Powell scored 21 each, and Ivica Zubac scored 19 points.
The fourth match of the series will also take place in Dallas.
In the other pair of quarter-finals, the West suffered a dry result. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Phoenix Suns for the third time – this time 126:109 (34:32, 25:21, 36:20, 31:36) away.
After the third victory in a row, “Wolves” are one step away from the semi-final stage.
Anthony Edwards led Minneapolis representatives with 36 points (9 rebounds). Rudy Gobert had 19 points (14 rpg) and Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points (13 rpg).
Bradley Beal responded with 28 (6/11 3-pointers), Kevin Durant – 25, and Devin Booker – 23 points (8 rebounds).
The fourth and possibly the last date of this couple will also take place in Phoenix.
At that point, the East needed overtime for its first playoff game of the season. Indiana Pacers in five extra minutes at home 121:118 (39:22, 28:33, 23:28, 21:28; 7:10) broke the Milwaukee Bucks and was ahead – 2:1.
Tyrese Haliburton’s two-pointer on a foul shot in the penultimate second of overtime was the game-winner.
For the winners, Myles Turner provided 29 (9 rebounds), T. Haliburton – 18 (1/12 three-pointers, 10 rebounds, 16 assists), and Pascal Siakam – 17 points.
For the Stags, still without Giannis Antetokounmpo with a calf injury, Khris Middleton had 42 (16-of-29 from the field, 10 rebounds), Damian Lillard had 28 (6-of-20 from the field) and Bobby Portis 17 points (18 rebounds).
Tags: Westbrook ejected pushing Doncic Mavericks moved closer
