A 32-point performance from Luka Doncic in Tuesday’s Game 2 against the Clippers was enough to get his team a 96-93 victory. With that, the Mavs levelled the series at 1-1, making things more exciting. Now, Mavs are back in Dallas, playing on their home court tonight, in the crucial Game 3. However, their chances of winning appeared bleak after Luka suffered a horrific injury scare, due to a collision with Russell Westbrook, in the opening minutes of the game.

More focused on getting past Ivica Zubac to score a basket, Luka had little idea that Westbrook was trailing him. And Russ took advantage of the situation, stealing the ball from Luka’s hands from behind. But in the process, Westbrook also collided with Doncic, leading to the Mavs star taking a hard fall. Regardless, the play continued as Russ’ steal led to transition three from Norman Powell. On the other end, still shaken up from the collision, Doncic tried to get back to his feet, but appeared in real discomfort. While holding his knee in pain, the Slovenian sensation limped and hobbled off the court.

On his way off the floor, Kyrie went to check up on Luka, giving him a pat on his head. With that, Luka leaned on the announcers’ desk for a while, and soon headed to the locker room to get his injury assessed. Just minutes later, Luka was back on the Mavs bench with a knee wrap, and started getting treatment to check back in the game. With still a little time left in the first quarter, Doncic re-entered the game.

And his entry was met with applause and cheers inside the packed American Airlines Center.

Dallas dominated in first half despite Luka Doncic’s injury scare

With or without Luka on the floor, the Mavs did not lose focus. By ending the first half with a 54-41 score, they utilised their home court advantage and took control with a 13-point lead. Moreover, Luka also recovered from his slow start, and scored 14 points despite not being at a 100% because of injury. He also added six assists to his tally while grabbing six rebounds. Although it was not a typical high scoring performance from Luka in the first half, it got the job done.

Luka’s beloved rookie, Dereck Lively II also played great in the first half, adding thirteen points to the total. On the other hand, James Harden tried to keep the Clippers in the game as he had fourteen points at the half. But his superstar teammates, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, did not do much to support him, combining for only eight points. Also, both of them played less than 12 minutes in the first half. And if the Clippers want to upset the Mavs on their home court, they will need a better showing from their star players in the remainder of the game.

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As the game heads into the second half, which team do you think will come out on top?