NBA roundup: George late show sparks Clippers over Cavs, Mavs keep up charge

Paul George orchestrated a stunning comeback on Sunday, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 120-118 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers after being down by 26 points.

George scored 23 points in the fourth quarter alone, including the game-winning shot with just seven seconds left. He also made a crucial block to secure the Clippers' lead right before the final buzzer.

George's remarkable performance saw him finish with 39 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, going a perfect 16-of-16 from the free-throw line. James Harden contributed 22 points, while Ivica Zubac, Terance Mann, and Norman Powell each added 14 points.

Despite his individual brilliance, George credited the entire team for the win, emphasizing that it was a collective effort that led to their success.

The Clippers appeared to be on the verge of a significant defeat following a disastrous first-half showing that allowed Cleveland to score back-to-back 40-point quarters, resulting in an 80-59 lead at halftime.

George acknowledged that his team was not performing at their best in the first half. He expressed his determination to do whatever was necessary to secure a victory.

The win has enhanced the Clippers' chances of clinching the fourth seed in the Western Conference. With a record of 50-28, Los Angeles remains in fourth place, ahead of the fifth-placed Dallas Mavericks, who are 48-30.

Both teams have four regular-season games left to play.

The Mavericks continued their late-season surge with a third consecutive victory, defeating the Houston Rockets 147-136 in overtime.

Kyrie Irving scored 48 points, while Luka Doncic contributed 37 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds as the Mavericks overcame a 22-point deficit to emerge victorious.

The loss against the Mavericks eliminated Houston from playoff contention.

Coach Jason Kidd praised his team's resilience and unity, emphasizing the importance of trust and support among the players. Despite facing challenges, the Mavericks rallied together and secured the win.

The defeat also confirmed that the Golden State Warriors are guaranteed a top-10 finish.

In another game on Sunday, the Warriors defeated the Utah Jazz 118-110 in San Francisco, with Klay Thompson scoring 32 points, including six three-pointers.

The Warriors are now set to meet LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers in the play-in tournament. The Lakers dropped to ninth place after a 127-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In a crucial matchup on Sunday, the Miami Heat suffered a 117-115 defeat against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis.

The Pacers have now reached a record of 45-34 and are currently in a strong position to secure the sixth automatic play-off spot in the Eastern Conference.

Indiana maintained their lead throughout the game, with all of their starting players scoring in double digits, led by Myles Turner with 22 points.

Miami, on the other hand, dropped to 43-35 and slipped to eighth place in the East following Philadelphia's 133-126 double-overtime victory against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Sixers' winning streak extended to five games, with Tyrese Maxey scoring an impressive 52 points, while rookie Victor Wembanyama contributed 33 points, 18 rebounds, and six assists for the eliminated San Antonio team.

Phoenix's chances of securing a play-off spot in the Western Conference are uncertain after their 113-105 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

C.J. McCollum scored 31 points for Phoenix, while Zion Williamson added 29 for the Pelicans, resulting in both teams having identical records of 46-32 with four games left in the season.

Currently, Phoenix holds the sixth play-off spot in the West due to their season record against New Orleans, who are in seventh place.

In other games, the New York Knicks defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 122-109 on the road, with Jalen Brunson leading the way with 43 points.

Meanwhile, the top-seeded Boston Celtics had a convincing 124-107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.