Sports
Doncic, Mavs answer, split set with Clippers
Doncic, Mavs answer, split set with Clippers.
Luka Doncic thrilled the crowd early with a four-point play after getting fouled by Kawhi Leonard, then turned for a lengthy acknowledgement of those fans after one of several late buckets that helped keep Dallas comfortably in front.
In a two-game set with the feel of a playoff series, the Mavericks got the split behind their young sensation.
Doncic scored 42 points, and the Mavericks answered a loss against their first-round playoff opponent from last season, beating the Los Angeles Clippers 105-89 on Wednesday night.
Josh Richardson scored 14 points and was a defensive spark as the Mavericks followed a 109-99 defeat two nights earlier and won the season series, 2-1. The other Dallas victory was by 51 points in LA three games into the season in December, about four months after the Clippers finished off the Mavs in six games in the NBA’s playoff bubble.
“They’re a really good defensive team,” said Doncic, who was 16 of 28 from the field, including 6 of 11 from 3-point range. “It’s kind of tough, back-to-back games like the playoffs. That’s why we’ve got to be ready for the playoffs if we make it.”
Paul George had 28 points for the Clippers, including a pair of 3-pointers in the final minute of the third quarter that cut a 12-point deficit in half going to the fourth.
Doncic, who scored 22 points in the first half, took over in the fourth quarter, assisting on a 3 for Jalen Brunson’s first points of the game and hitting a fadeaway jumper and a 3 to get the lead back to 12 at 87-75.
Leonard scored 20 points while Marcus Morris Sr. had 11 in his second consecutive start but was just 1 of 9 from 3-point range while the Clippers shot 28% (9 of 32) from long range.
“For the most part I thought we did a good job defensively other than Luka torched us,” coach Tyronn Lue said. “I thought offensively we didn’t trust, we didn’t continue to share the basketball. We forced a lot of stuff all night.”
Richardson, added in an offseason trade that cost the Mavericks their best 3-pointer shooter in Seth Curry as they tried to improve defensively, affected the game in just the way Dallas envisioned.
The fiery guard had two steals on inbound plays after Dallas baskets in the first half, one of them after his own 3-pointer. Richardson, who finished with three steals, also blocked Reggie Jackson’s dunk attempt in transition before halftime.
“That set the tone for the game,” coach Rick Carlisle said of the early steals. “That’s just a signal to everyone in the arena that we’re here. He was here. And we weren’t going anywhere. That’s a big moment.”
With George hounding him as the Clippers tried to rally in the fourth quarter, Doncic found Maxi Kleber for a 3, then connected with him in an alley-oop dunk on his ninth and final assist to get the lead to 15. Kleber scored 12 points.
“He got comfortable and he made shots,” Leonard said of Doncic, who had six rebounds. “It’s hard to turn off that water once a great player like that gets rolling.”
Kristaps Porzingis, Doncic’s European sidekick, had a quiet night on offense with 11 points but had 13 rebounds as Dallas won the battle of the boards after losing it two nights earlier.
“I’m not surprised at all at how we came out and stayed with it,” Carlisle said. “These guys have been in the playoffs. They have a very good idea what these types of games are like. The burning question is always where do you take it from here.”
Sports
Adron Homes Champions Sports Sponsorship and Talent Discovery with 7th Edition of Adron Games
Adron Homes Champions Sports Sponsorship and Talent Discovery with 7th Edition of Adron Games
After six successful editions, Adron Homes & Properties continues to play a pivotal role in the development of sports and talent discovery in Nigeria through its annual sporting event, the Adron Games. What began as a corporate wellness initiative has now grown into one of the nation’s premier platforms for identifying and nurturing young talents, while promoting physical fitness and community engagement.
The 2024 edition, themed “Fit to Be the Biggest”, marks the 7th consecutive year of Adron Games, further cementing the company’s commitment to the sponsorship of grassroots sports. With each edition, Adron Homes not only creates a space for corporate teams and individuals to compete but also paves the way for the next generation of athletes to shine on a national stage.
This year’s event, set to take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan from November 29th to 30th, brings even more opportunities for young athletes to showcase their abilities across a wide variety of sporting disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and Tug of War. With two Nigeria’s Ex International, Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju both legendary figures in Nigerian football serving as ambassadors, the games underscore the crucial role of sports in shaping lives and fostering unity.
Daniel Amokachi, while addressing the media at the event’s unveiling, emphasized the need for consistent support from businesses and brands to nurture talent in Nigeria. “Sports in Nigeria need more support from businesses and brands to help discover and nurture young talent. Through initiatives like the Adron Games, we’re able to uncover the next generation of stars while also promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Amokachi.
In line with Adron Homes’ strategic goals, Emmanuel Oladapo, Director of Sport Adron Homes and the Organising Department, shed light on the innovative developments and strategies being brought to this year’s games. During his speech, Oladapo emphasized the importance of preparation and structure in making this year’s Adron Games the most successful yet.
“We’re focused on ensuring that every aspect of this year’s games is elevated. From athlete development to team preparation, my team and I are introducing new strategies that will provide a more competitive and organized experience for all participants. We want to make sure the games grow bigger each year while also ensuring that they remain an important platform for talent discovery,” Oladapo stated.
He further highlighted a series of pre-event activities leading up to November, which have been designed to ensure that teams are fully prepared for the competition. These preparatory events, which include team training sessions, practice tournaments, and fitness camps, will help refine skills and foster teamwork among the athletes. “We want the teams to have ample opportunity to train, strategize, and perfect their game before the main event in November,” Oladapo explained.
As part of the unveiling, Oladapo also showcased the official team jerseys, which were presented to the respective teams. The jerseys, designed to promote team spirit and a sense of unity, reflect the vibrant and competitive nature of Adron Games. “These jerseys represent more than just clothing; they symbolize the hard work, dedication, and passion that each team will bring to the field. We’re proud to have created a look that inspires pride and excellence,” he added.
By investing in sports sponsorship, Adron Homes not only encourages a culture of fitness and wellness but also contributes to the larger goal of empowering youth and developing Nigeria’s sports industry. The company’s Group Managing Director, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has been at the forefront of these efforts, recognizing the transformative power of sports as a tool for positive change.
Mutiu Adepoju, speaking at the media briefing, echoed this sentiment, stressing the unifying power of sports and commending Adron Homes for their ongoing dedication to its promotion. “Sports is not only about fitness but also about unity and creating opportunities for the youth. Adron Homes’ commitment to this cause is invaluable in the continued development of sports in Nigeria,” Adepoju remarked.
As Adron Games 2024 approaches, the spotlight is once again on sports as a catalyst for talent discovery and community development, with Adron Homes & Properties leading the charge.
For more information, sponsorship, vendor registration and inquiries, please contact:
Mr Emmanuel Oladapo: 08100760100
Adron Sports Foundation: 08061594375
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