Paul George guides Los Angeles Clippers to beat Dallas Mavericks in Game 4

Dallas Mavericks almost pulled off a historic NBA playoff comeback in Game 4 of their first-round series against Los Angeles Clippers, rebounding from a 31-point deficit in the first half. However, Paul George's step back three-pointer from the corner gave the Clippers a 107-105 lead, which they maintained for a 116-111 victory. The series is currently knotted at 2-2 heading into Wednesday's Game 5.

With only 2:14 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Dallas Mavericks seized a 105-104 lead on a layup by Kyrie Irving, who had previously scored a deep three-pointer. Los Angeles Clippers led 39-16 in the first quarter, and 66-49 at halftime. However, the Mavericks almost erased their advantage in the third quarter, outscoring the Los Angeles Clippers 29-16. 

Dallas Mavericks Kyrie Irving scored 40 points, including an acrobatic layup with 2:15 remaining to give the Mavericks their first lead since the middle of the first quarter, 104-103. Luka Doncic got his fourth career postseason triple-double against the Clippers, scoring 29 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and passing 10 assists. 

Kawhi Leonard injury wasn’t a problem for Los Angeles Clippers

George's strong effort helped a Clippers squad that was without Kawhi Leonard, who was ruled out for Game 4 due to right knee swelling. Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, stated that it was the team's choice to keep Leonard out, and his fate for the remainder of the series remains questionable.

Paul George had 33 points on 11-of-19 shooting (including 7-for-10 from three). He led Los Angeles Clippers to a strong start, scoring 16 points in the first quarter and 26 in the first half in what seemed to be a Clippers blowout. Leonard returned for Games 2 and 3 of the series after missing Game 1 and the last eight games of the regular season. However, the 12-year veteran struggled, scoring only 24 points in two games. Game 5 is set for Wednesday, with the series heading to Los Angeles.