3 takeaways after the Mavericks eliminate the Clippers in Game 6, 114-101

The Mavericks certainly had to earn their fourth win in a series that was physical start to finish. But Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the team looked ready at the tip. Looking to avoid a repeat of Game 4 at the AAC where the Clippers were flamethrowing shots from all over the floor, PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. both were locked in early displaying a continued physical style with Paul George and James Harden. On the offensive end Doncic, who finished with 28 points, seven rebounds, and 13 assists, was assertive. He was ice cold, as most of the team was, from three-point range — a thread throughout the series. But he was getting into the lane at will and was moving well on his sprained knee. The Mavericks led 34-26 after the first quarter.

No one thought the Mavericks would cruise to victory, but it was unsettling to see some of that energy tail off in the second quarter as the Clippers ramped up the defensive intensity. There was a lack of flow from both teams, and the stop-and-start rhythm played in the Clippers' favor. Dallas' new brand of defense stayed consistent, making Los Angeles fight for every basket. But the Clippers gained ground in the second quarter and the teams were tied 52-52 at the half.

But the Mavericks used half to make adjustments. The ESPN broadcast of the game mentioned a halftime conversation with Jason Kidd, where he relayed the team's focus was going to be regaining the urgency they found at the start of the game by picking up the pace. Flipping that switch changed the trajectory of the game. No longer a slog, the Mavericks were efficient in regaining their early lead. As it has been in the past that engine was largely Kyrie Irving. With only two points in the first half Irving looked to assert himself, and made quick work to make his presence known, finishing with 30 points, six rebounds and four assists. Irving and Doncic both hit their first threes of the game within the first two minutes of the third, and the Mavericks really never looked back.

The Mavericks did what they haven't been able to do in quite some time. Not just overcome the Clippers, who they've faced now three times in five years. But also closing out a series at home. This was the first time they've won the final game in a series in Dallas since the 2011 Western Conference Finals. They'll now face a new version of that 2011 foe in the first place Oklahoma City Thunder. That series begins Tuesday up north on I-35. But before we get there, here are some takeaways from tonight's contest.

Stars shine

Not enough can be said about Doncic and Irving. Both players dug into their defense for different stretches this whole series. Irving was scrappy all night, pestering Harden (16 points, seven rebounds, 13 assists...0-of-6 from three) around the perimeter and diving on the floor for loose balls. Doncic also fought through plenty of isolation plays and was constantly looking up for outlet assists after snatching tough defensive boards.

They've also carried the scoring load, proving a lethal one-two punch that now feels like clockwork most nights, with Doncic aggressive early and Irving on an absolute heater of a second half. Nothing was more representative of what they did together than this full court dime early.

Doncic looked particularly fresh early, going 5-of-8 from two in the first half, even when struggling from three. To have both weapons in your bag, to flip between one option to the other, is what makes him so dangerous. And Irving's 28 second half points was jaw-dropping. But none more than this play late in the game that nearly melted the AAC and all but ended the game.

If these two can maintain this one-two punch into their next series the Thunder will have their hands full.

The backline power

For all the thrills of the offense above, the Mavericks won this series with their defense. The locked in play of starters PJ Washington (14 points, 4-of-8 from three), Derrick Jones Jr., and Daniel Gafford can't be overstated. They continued to swallow up driving lanes, and forced Harden and Paul George (18 points, 11 rebounds, five assists...2-of-10 from three) off their spots. There was a short stretch in the second quarter where George got clean looks, but it was rare for the Clippers to get an easy basket.

The only unfortunate news from this night is the injury to backup big man Maxi Kleber, who left the game in the first half after a freak fall on a drive attempt. Kleber left his feet unusually early on a transition play that left him landing directly on his right shoulder after colliding with Amir Coffey. Maxi shot the ensuing free throws but left the floor soon after. The Mavericks later reported he would be out with a shoulder sprain. While it didn't impact tonight's outcome that is obviously a major storyline heading into next Tuesday's second round Game 1.

But credit to the rest of the group. Reserves Dante Exum, Josh Green, and Dereck Lively in particular performed admirably. Once again, Lively's composure as a rookie is subtly astonishing. He added 10 points, nine rebounds, and three assists tonight. And oh....here's a little more of Gafford.

Change in tone

The Mavericks didn't show any signs of residual cobwebs from Sunday's emotional loss in Dallas. When you're the team trying to close out a tough and experienced opponent that pressure can feel mounting. But they were often the aggressor Friday night. While they are led by Irving and Doncic, both with plenty of playoff experience (Irving in particular), they are relying on a crew of young players with little or no playoff experience. But the Mavericks often looked like the composed team of the two — at times outmuscling the Clippers while proving to overwhelmingly be the more athletic team. It's hard not to reflect on the previous series' between these teams and not think about the lengths the Mavericks have grown.

Now they'll set sights on the youngest team in the playoffs, who should be fresh (if not maybe rusty?) after sweeping the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round. The style of play will be different, and the Mavericks will meet their athletic match. But they will have a few days to adjust to that change in tone. On to the next one.

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