Watch: Maxi Clever knocks down a giant buzzer-beater to seal the Dallas Mavericks match.
The Dallas Mavericks made a miraculous comeback with Maxi Clever’s winning 3-pointer to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kleber only scored 10 points, but 6 of them were the most in the entire game.
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The Lakers looked headed for victory when they took a 109-105 lead with 7.2 seconds left in the game. Anthony Davis fouled his Maxi Kleber on a 25-footer attempt.
The foul sent the German international over the line and sank all free throws to cut the lead to 109-108. Davis muffed one of his free throws on the next possession before Keever’s heroism ended the game.
It was another disappointing loss for the LA Lakers, who dropped to 10th place in the Western Conference with a record of 34-37. The loss also meant that the Mavericks won his series on the season, 3–1. If both teams have the same win-loss result and he ends up in 10th place, Dallas will go ahead by tiebreaker advantage.
The Dallas Mavericks played without superstar point guard Luka Doncic, who was sidelined with a thigh injury. Doncic was a thorn in the side of the Lakers, especially in late-game situations.
With no “Luca Legend” in the lineup, it was Maxi Kléber who fired the dagger.
But without Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks wouldn’t have won this game. “Uncle Drew” has a sore leg and doubts about playing tonight.
Irving scored 20 points in the first half and showed no signs of injury. He played brilliantly by adding 13 points in the 4th quarter to lead the comeback.
Dennis Schroeder and Wenen Gabriel double-teamed with Kyrie Irving during the game’s final play.
Dallas Mavericks give LA Lakers advantage in close playoff battle
The Dallas Mavericks have increased their record to 36-35 and retain the sixth seed in the closely contested Western Conference standings. Dallas is now two wins ahead of the 10th-ranked LA Lakers (34-37).
The Mavericks are 3-1 ahead of the Lakers and would be at an advantage if they finish the regular season with the same record. Dallas has not set a specific time for Luka Doncic’s return. He is considered a daily occurrence as he recovers from a thigh injury.
Every win means a lot to the Mavericks and the Lakers. A win tonight could mean a ticket to his tournament early offseason or a play-in.
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