With Kristaps out, the Mavericks are out of the Playoffs

With+Kristaps+out%2C+the+Mavericks+are+out+of+the+Playoffs

Joseph Celsur, Sports writer

The Mavericks took on the Clippers in game six of the NBA playoffs, once again without their star power forward Kristaps Porzingis. The Mavericks started off hot, making shots and playing very well, leading to them being ahead after the first quarter 34-29. However, it was only downhill from there; the Mavericks would lose the last remaining three quarters.

Mavericks’ star guard Luka Doncic would have another amazing night as he put up 38 points,  9 rebounds, and 9 assists, but it was not enough with the little help he received from the rest of the team. Clippers’ star forward Kawhi Leonard would have an even better night putting up 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 rebounds while receiving help all around him. During the first quarter of play, Marcus Morris of the Clippers received a flagrant foul and was ejected from the game after hitting Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic in the face while driving down the lane.

The Mavericks would lose game six 111-97, and now, they are out of the playoffs after losing the series 4-2. The Clippers will move on to face either the Utah Jazz or the Denver Nuggets. Many believe that the officials cost the Mavericks the series after bad officiating leading to the Mavericks losing the close game one. If they would have won, the Mavericks would have been up 3-1 in the series after four games, changing the series significantly. The Mavericks will now leave the bubble and focus on getting Kristaps Porzingis healthy and potentially go after some big-name free agents. It is only a matter of time before the Mavericks find themselves as serious title contenders.