Playoff Game Thread: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks, Game 4

WHO: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks

WHAT: The fourth game in the Mavericks first playoff series in four years, with the team down 2-1.

WHEN: 2:30 p.m. CT (but, let’s be real, it’ll start at like 3)

HOW: ABC (No FSSW broadcast this time, ABC is the only option)

THE STORY: After a great performance in Games 1 and 2 that saw the Mavericks outplay the Clippers despite the series being 1-1, Dallas ran into a buzz saw in Game 3. The Clippers took the Mavericks more seriously, they changed up their defensive assignments so the Mavericks couldn’t exploit their poor defenders as easily and, most notable, Luka Doncic sprain his left ankle, forcing him from the game in the third quarter. As of the time of us publishing this thread, Doncic is listed as questionable and the MRI indicated this wasn’t a severe sprain, so the thought is Doncic will give it a go.

The Mavericks will need everything they can to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole. If this team has shown us anything this series is that they will not quit, despite the glaring talent mismatch. This should be fun and competitive regardless of Doncic’s availability.