Clippers leaning on recent playoff success vs. Mavs while facing elimination
Tyronn Lue and the Los Angeles Clippers are leaning on their recent postseason history against the Dallas Mavericks after going down 3-2 in their first-round series.
"We were down 3-2 (in 2021)," Lue told reporters Wednesday following the Clippers' 123-93 Game 5 defeat, including ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "We didn't play our best game, and we understand that. I think we all understand that collectively. So we'll be better for Game 6."
Los Angeles has won both of its playoff series against Dallas during the Luka Doncic era.
When the two teams met three years ago in the opening round, the Clippers prevailed in all three meetings in the Lone Star state, including a win-or-go-home scenario in Game 6 at American Airlines Center.
Los Angeles also tied up this year's series at two games apiece with a Game 4 road win.
Paul George said he's confident the Clippers' Game 5 performance was just a one-off, adding that he's also taking solace in his club's previous success when its back was against the wall.
"The uncharacteristic mistakes that we made," George said. "That wasn't who we've been in this series. That's not who we are. So we got to get better. Especially in this situation, the chance to go up 3-2 and not take advantage of that opportunity.
"But we've been here before. Going to Dallas, being down 3-2. It's got to be a win, and our mentality we have is to try and go get a win in Dallas."