ESPN report: P.J. WASHINGTON SKILLS PROVIDED THE MAVERICKS WITH A CLOSE-OUT WIN.

Near the end of the third quarter on Friday night, P.J. Washington made a hard-hitting three-pointer from the corner that rebounded back to him on the baseline.

After passing to Kyrie Irving four seconds later, the Mavericks forward made a three-pointer that went in the net to increase their lead to 85-70. That was the dagger they needed to pry the last shreds of life from the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Mavericks won Game 6 114-101 and the first-round series 4-2, capping off a night when they were offensive rebounding demons, grabbing 18 offensive rebounds that they converted into 21 second-chance points and continuously preventing the Clippers from getting any momentum.

Daniel Gafford grabbed four offensive rebounds, and Dereck Lively II had five. Seven Mavericks in all pulled down at least one offensive rebound.

In other words, when did the Mavericks turn into offensive glass-breakers? During the regular season, it was most definitely not like that. However, that was one of the series’ themes.

“Since the trade deadline,” stated Luka Dončić. “Tyson has been working with D-Live for the entire season. Being able to learn from Tyson was very helpful. It was a significant event. And making a major trade for Gafford. Consequently, since the trade deadline.

This series is the ideal opportunity for the Mavericks to rely on their newly acquired glass work.

Coach Jason Kidd stated, “The misses we were able to come up with, Gaff and those guys, gave us second or third opportunities.” And trying to own the glass even when we failed was something we wanted to accomplish in this series.

And we had a lot of shots that we missed. However, those people gave us the chance to gain second and third chances. D-Live did a fantastic job, in my opinion, of tipping the balls out, and we took advantage of those offensive rebounds.

It also got underway early. Ten offensive rebounds were grabbed by the Mavericks in the opening frame. Even if they withdrew later, it was clear that the Mavericks were prepared to put in a lot of effort in this game.

Their performance disregarded the fact that this was a club that finished the regular season ranked 23rd in the league, as they pulled down less than 10 offensive rebounds per contest.

Dante Exum remarked, “I think everything changed when we got Live and Gafford.” However, I believe it’s more about positioning oneself appropriately, seeing a lot of movies, and knowing the kinds of shots we take.

However, I believe it will be a huge asset for us moving ahead, especially when facing a team like Oklahoma City.

The Mavericks’ offensive game wasn’t particularly sharp, but after halftime, they really picked up.

However, their defense was strong, allowing the Clippers to shoot only 8 of 31 three-pointers (25.8 percent). Similar to rebounding, that also requires effort.

“Playoff time is here,” remarked Josh Green. “Every item that you own counts. Our group is aware of that. Everyone finds enjoyment in it since we all want to win. Playing hard and working hard has, in my opinion, been crucial for us.

Blast from the past: Salah Mejri stated he’s enjoying learning about the business side of the NBA after seeing a fan favorite of the Mavericks from years past on the court before the game.

The 7-2 Mejri, a native of Tunisia, is employed by the NBA and has made Dallas his home.

“I participate in NBA-Europe’s ambassador program,” he declared. “I’m working events, learning about that aspect of the industry, and figuring out what I want to do with my life after retirement from competitive gaming.”

Mejri travels for NBA-Europe business meetings, camps, and clinics. But he’s content to establish himself in Dallas.

“I’m definitely coming back to Dallas,” he declared. “Here, I made a lot of contacts and friends. Thus, it’s nice to be in Dallas. And the United States offers far more opportunities. Though I’ve performed all over the world, I particularly enjoyed my four years here in Dallas. Not everyone has the opportunity to do that.

Mejri played 204 games for the Mavericks between 2015 and 2019, averaging 3.4 points and 4 rebounds.

“My favorite was them,” Mejri remarked. “I adore Dallas’ supporters. It’s a sports city, which is undoubtedly the reason I’m returning.

In a nutshell: Maxi Kleber collided with P.J. Tucker in the first half, resulting in a heavy fall onto his shoulder. He continued to play in the game and made the second of his two free throws before hastily leaving for the locker room. According to Kidd, he was unaware of the full scope of the damage. “Man up, next,” he uttered. After the game, Kleber had his arm in a sling. Prior to the game on Friday, Dončić received the Bob Lanier Community trophy presented by Patrick Dumont, the governor of the Mavericks. The winner for the month of April is Donđić. For Game 6, LA coach Ty Lue made a change to his starting lineup, playing defensive wizard P.J. Tucker in place of Amir Coffey. O-Max Prosper (left ankle) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (right ankle) were still out. Kawhi Leonard (right knee) missed his third straight game for the Clippers.