Starting 5, May 4: Mavs advance, Magic force Game 7 – NBA.com

Seven of the eight teams in the Conference Semifinals are set. The final one will be decided in a Game 7.

When you’ve still never lost in a closeout game.

THE LINEUP 🏀
What’s inside today’s edition? 
Mavs Advance: Luka and Kyrie combine for 58 points to eliminate the Clippers in Game 6
Magic Force Game 7: The young trio of Banchero, Wagner and Suggs keep the Magic alive
Chasing History: Before Nuggets-Wolves Game 1, get an all-access look at their path to this rematch
Ant’s Next Stage: Anthony Edwards’ rise continues on a new level – the Conference Semis
Clutch Murray: His two first-round game-winners were the latest in a history of clutch shots
BUT FIRST … ⏰
Last night’s scores & what to watch today.

Caitlin Clark impressed in her WNBA preseason debut, scoring 21 points and hitting five 3s in Indiana’s 79-76 loss to Dallas. We were there for an all-access look at her first professional game.
Tonight, the Western Conference Semifinals begin in Denver with the defending champion Nuggets (2) hosting the Wolves (3) (7 ET, TNT).
1. DYNAMIC DUO SENDS MAVS TO WEST SEMIS

Third Time’s A Charm: In his third first-round Playoff matchup against the Clippers, Luka Doncic and the Mavs finally prevailed, eliminating LA in six games with a 114-101 win. | Recap
Kyrie & Luka Deliver: The 1-2 punch of Doncic (28 pts, 13 ast) and Irving (30 pts, 5 3s) combined for 58 points and 17 assists to pace the Mavs. Luka did most of his damage in the 1st half (18 of his 28 pts), while Irving took over in the 2nd half (28 of his 30 pts).

Answering Every Run: Dallas built multiple double-digit leads throughout the game, and every time LA rallied, the Mavs answered with another scoring burst of their own.
Norman Powell led the Clippers with 20 points off the bench, while Paul George (18 pts, 11 reb) and James Harden (16 pts, 13 ast) combined for 34 points.
What’s Next? The Mavs advance to face the Thunder in the West Semis with Game 1 Tuesday (9:30 ET, TNT) in Oklahoma City.
2. MAGIC SURVIVE MITCHELL’S 50, FORCE GAME 7

Magic Close Strong: The Magic entered the 4th quarter down five with their season coming down to the final 12 minutes.
Orlando outscored Cleveland 30-18 in the final frame – with all 18 of Cleveland’s points coming from Donovan Mitchell (who dropped 50) – to prevail 103-96 and force Game 7. | Recap

Game 7 Awaits: The final game of the first round will be played in Cleveland on Sunday (1 ET, ABC).
3. CHASING HISTORY: ROAD TO WOLVES-NUGGETS REMATCH

A year ago, the Nuggets and Wolves met in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs in a 1 vs. 8 matchup.
The Nuggets eliminated the Wolves in five games – the last four decided by single-digits – in the first step on their championship climb.

After being separated by 11 games in the standings last season, Denver and Minnesota were locked in a three-team battle with OKC for the top seed in the West, a race that was not decided until the final day of the regular season.
Before this Playoff rematch tips off, let’s dive into how both teams reached the Conference Semis in the latest episode of Chasing History.
4. A NEW STAGE FOR ANT-MAN

Welcome to the Conference Semifinals, Anthony Edwards.
Edwards led the Timberwolves out of the first round for the first time in his career – and the first time in 20 years for the franchise – with a four-game sweep of the Suns.
Edwards’ performance in the first round was the latest step in his meteoric rise from budding talent to full-blown superstar. We saw flashes in his early Playoff appearances:

Ant’s ascension continued in the offseason, becoming “The Guy” – according to Team USA coach Steve Kerr – during the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The brighter the stage has gotten, the better Edwards has performed. He’ll look to take his next step today as the Wolves look to avenge last season’s loss to the Nuggets.
5. JAMAL MURRAY IN THE CLUTCH

In Denver’s first-round win over the Lakers, Jamal Murray added to his already impressive clutch resume with an accolade that no other player can claim.
This is nothing new for Murray, who has consistently elevated his game when the stakes are at their highest.

Since the 2020 Playoffs, Murray’s 55.6% shooting in clutch situations is the highest among the eight players who have attempted at least 40 shots.
The Top 3:
The Nuggets have the two most efficient clutch shooters in recent Playoff history. Having two elite clutch options is a separating factor for Denver.
Considering that the last four games of the Wolves-Nuggets 2023 first-round series — and two of their four meetings this season — were decided by single digits, this West Semis matchup could deliver plenty of clutch moments.
And more chances to add to the resume.
'Closeout Kyrie' arrives in the 2nd half, the Mavs' big men wreak havoc again and the Clippers' season ends with a whimper.
While Luka Doncic and SGA are on the marquee, this series may come down to the performance of supporting casts.
Darvin Ham guided the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in 2023, but the team lost in the 1st round this season.
The combine will take place from May 12-19 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.
'Closeout Kyrie' arrives in the 2nd half, the Mavs' big men wreak havoc again and the Clippers' season ends with a whimper.
While Luka Doncic and SGA are on the marquee, this series may come down to the performance of supporting casts.
Darvin Ham guided the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in 2023, but the team lost in the 1st round this season.
The combine will take place from May 12-19 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.
Mason Jones and Keon Ellis lead the way as Sacramento cruises past Team China, winning all 4 quarters by double-digit margins.
Golden State gets a tag-team effort against Miami while Adonis Arms lifts Sacramento over Bronny James and Los Angeles.
Mouhamadou Gueye leads Charlotte with 21 points while No. 4 overall pick Stephon Castle leads San Antonio with 12 points.
LeBron opens up on a 4th Olympic adventure & Bronny's Summer League debut, while Steve Kerr talks Klay Thompson's departure.
Sacramento brings in the 6-time All-Star veteran to team up with De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Ethan Thompson and Daeqwon Plowden combined for 53 points on 20-for-29 shooting to lead Golden State past Miami.

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