The 2020 Buzzer-Beater Over the Clippers: Luka Magic’s Playoff Debut

The 2020 first round pitted Dallas against the star-laden Clippers — a "teaching moment" for the kids, many thought. Luka Dončić rewrote the script with a buzzer-beater.

Game 4 in LA, Dallas down one with the ball. Dončić isolated up top against the double, used the screen to slip inside, and floated a high arc over two defenders — splash, buzzer, 135-133 Dallas, series tied 2-2.

The dagger epitomized "Luka Magic": calm read, nerve under the trap, and a tough off-balance finish. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said: "We had the best defense on; he just made it."

For the series Dončić averaged 31 points, 9.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists, tormenting Leonard and George. Dallas lost 2-4, but his playoff debut won the room.

The series meant more than a result: it told the league Dončić isn’t a "regular-season star." His tempo, finishing through contact and clutch nerve passed the toughest test.

Later years added layers: 2021 second round, 2022 Game 7 loss to Phoenix, 2024 Finals run. But the 2020 Clippers dagger remains a defining "Luka Magic" footnote — a 21-year-old silencing Los Angeles at Staples.

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• 2024 Western Finals: Dallas Returns to the Finals After 13 Years