Clippers rally from 31-point deficit behind George, Harden in Game 4 victory over Mavericks

The Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 31-point deficit to beat the Dallas Mavericks 116-111 in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series, thanks largely to standout performances from Paul George and James Harden. With Kawhi Leonard still sidelined due to knee inflammation, George scored a game-high 33 points while also contributing defensively during the crucial fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Harden added his own impressive display in that final period with 15 points as the Clippers held on for their second consecutive victory following two losses at home to Dallas.
During the first half of the matchup between these two franchises – who have clashed three times in five years during the playoffs’ Western Conference stage – George was particularly dominant, scoring a remarkable 26 points while draining an impressive eight out of thirteen shots from beyond the arc as part of Los Angeles’ blistering start to the game.
Kyrie Irving put up his own dazzling display for Dallas, contributing an outstanding 40-point performance that included some spectacularly acrobatic layups – most notably one in the final two minutes which saw him take a narrow lead from the Clippers at 104-103. However, George responded with a crucial fadeaway three-pointer shortly afterwards and Harden followed up by converting an impressive three-point play to help secure victory for his side – as LA’s defensive duo once again stepped forward when it mattered most in the fourth quarter.
Luka Dončić also put on quite a show, notching yet another triple-double against Los Angeles with 29 points, ten rebounds and an impressive ten assists to add to his growing list of playoff achievements – although this one will ultimately prove to be in vain as the Mavericks slip back into an all square series. With Game 5 now scheduled for Wednesday night at Staples Center, both teams are left with plenty still to fight for and much more on the line than just a place in round two of these Western Conference playoffs – with the stakes only set to get higher as this pulsating showdown edges closer towards its enticing climax.
However, despite Dallas’ best efforts to mount an impressive comeback from such a huge deficit during Sunday night’s clash at American Airlines Center – thanks in large part to Irving and Dončić – George, Harden & Co proved too strong for the Mavericks as they secured victory and now sit poised ahead of this decisive showdown which promises all kinds of twists, turns & breathtaking playoff basketball drama on a whole other level. With plenty left in the tank still to come from these two gifted sides during their clash at Staples Center next week – one thing is for certain: both teams will be pushing themselves right to the limit as they fight tooth and nail for every single point, rebound & assist along the way!