LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic strolled off the court with 5:39 remaining, loosening his jersey as his team held a commanding 30-point lead.


That lead persisted until the final buzzer, as the Dallas Mavericks clinched Game 5 on Wednesday with an emphatic 123-93 victory over the LA Clippers. With the series shifting back to Dallas for Game 6 on Friday (9:30 ET, ESPN), the visitors now hold an 82.5% chance to advance, a statistic historically favorable for Game 5 winners in a 2-2 series.


The Dallas Mavericks dealt the LA Clippers their most devastating loss in franchise postseason history.


Doncic showcased his prowess with 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists, 20 of which came in the second half.


"In the playoffs, the margin of victory doesn't matter; a win is a win," Doncic emphasized during his postgame interview with TNT. "But our job isn't finished. We need one more win."


Here are five key takeaways from the game:


1. Doncic Battles Through Injury


Despite leading Dallas with an impressive stat line, Doncic has faced challenges throughout the series. His shooting, particularly from 3-point range, has been subpar, a trend that persisted in Game 5.


However, Doncic's resilience is evident, especially considering he sprained his right knee in Game 3. Despite the injury, he has continued to contribute on both ends of the floor, undergoing extensive treatment between games to maintain his performance level.


2. Mavericks Overcome Slow Starts


In a departure from previous games, Dallas started Game 5 with energy, securing a narrow lead in the first quarter and extending it to 10 points by halftime. This marked a significant improvement, as the Mavericks had struggled in early quarters throughout the series.


Credit goes to Doncic and Maxi Kleber for their contributions, with the pair leading the charge in scoring before halftime.


3. Clippers' Shooting Woes Continue


Despite playing at home, the Clippers' shooting woes persisted in Game 5, with their performance deteriorating compared to previous outings. This frustration is compounded by their reliance on 3-point shooting, which has been instrumental in their victories.


4. Impact of Kawhi Leonard's Absence


The Clippers' two wins without Kawhi Leonard appear less convincing in retrospect, particularly considering James Harden's diminished performance in Game 5. Harden, who had been a consistent performer for the Clippers, struggled to make an impact, highlighting the team's reliance on Leonard.


5. Maxi Kleber's 3-Point Surge


Maxi Kleber emerged as a key player for the Mavericks in Game 5, particularly from beyond the arc. His sharpshooting, especially in the second quarter, played a crucial role in extending Dallas' lead and securing the victory.


In summary, the Dallas Mavericks' dominant performance in Game 5 puts them in a favorable position as the series heads back to Dallas. Despite facing challenges, including injuries and slow starts, the Mavericks showcased their resilience and depth, while the Clippers must regroup to mount a comeback in the remainder of the series.