Although the LA Clippers eventually left the arena as winners, it was Luka Doncic who was the brightest shining star. The giant talent accounted for 42 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Never before has anyone scored over 40 points in their first NBA playoff game of their career.
"He's incredible," Clipper star Kawhi Leonard told ESPN.
Dallas also led the game until the third period when Doncic's Latvian playmate Kristaps Porzingis was not allowed to continue playing. Doncic began to quarrel with opponents Marcus Morris when Porzingis came to the rescue. It ended with both Porzingis and Morris getting technical fouls and for the light it was the second of the match.
- KP had my back. He did it for his teammate. I do not think it was fair to show him, especially not in the playoffs, says Doncic.
- I saw that he was arguing with Luka and I did not like it. That's why I reacted. It's a smart thing to do on their part. I just have to be smarter and control my emotions, says Porzingis himself.
In Letten's absence, the Clippers, led by Leonard and Paul George, turned the match around and eventually won 118-110.
The next match in the series, which is decided in the best of seven matches, will be played during the night until Wednesday, Swedish time.