AAC to increase to near full capacity for games
By Dorothy J. Gentry
Sports Editor
It was the dunk heard ‘round the world, but the Mavericks didn’t care.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard “posterized” Mavs defender Maxi Kleber during Saturday’s Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs. Leonard and his teammates celebrated wildly after the thunderous dunk shown on national television.
But it didn’t matter to Kleber or the Mavericks. They went on to win the game 113-103 – in Los Angeles – and steal home-court advantage in this Best-of-7 Round 1 playoff series.
“I challenge a lot of shots, I’ve blocked a lot of shots in my career,” Kleber said “I’ve got dunked on before, so this is not going to affect the game. It’s two points, but you’ve got to keep playing your game.”
And they’ll do just that on Tuesday night at 9:30 p.m. in Los Angeles.
“There’s going to be momentum plays in NBA playoff games, and there’s going to be runs by both teams,” said Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle said. “The big thing for us all year has been responding and thinking about the next play and getting to the next play.
Attendance will increase this week at AAC for Mavs playoffs
After Tuesday night’s game in Los Angeles, the series shifts to Dallas for two games. In response, the Mavs plan to increase attendance to near American Airlines Center’s full capacity. Masks will continue to be required for all fans inside the arena when not eating or drinking.
“We are so excited about welcoming more fans into AAC to help cheer on our Mavs,” Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall said. “We have been slowly inviting more fans to our games since February 8, in accordance with public health protocol. Our fans have proven their ability to keep the environment safe and fun.”
Playoff tickets went on sale to Mavs Season Ticket Members on last week. The general public can lock in playoff tickets, starting as low as $13, with the purchase of a 2021-2022 new season membership by calling 214-747-MAVS.
Round One home playoff games are scheduled for Friday, May 28 at 8:30 p.m. CST and Sunday, May 30 at 8:30 p.m. CST.
COVID-19 Vaccines Available
In addition to increased capacity, the Dallas Mavericks, in partnership with the City of Dallas, will host COVID-19 vaccination events outside on Victory Plaza at American Airlines Center for Texas residents aged 18 and older, before game three on Friday, May 28 and game four on Sunday, May 30 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. CST.
The events will be facilitated by a Texas Military Department Mobile Vaccination Team administering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. No appointment is required, and walk-ups are welcome, even for those not attending the games. Vaccine recipients should plan to be observed for 15 minutes after the administration of their vaccine. All participants must complete COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent forms.
“Valuable partners like the Mavs are key to getting all eligible residents vaccinated so Dallas may reach community immunity,” said Rocky Vaz, Director of the Office of Emergency Management. “This is a safe way to help vaccinated Dallasites resume activities we love.”
LA Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks
| DAY | DATE | AWAY | HOME | GM | CST | TV / R |
| Sat | 5/22 | Dallas | LA Clippers | 1 | 3:30PM | ESPN/ BSSW |
| Tue | 5/25 | Dallas | LA Clippers | 2 | 9:30PM | NBATV/ BSSW |
| Fri | 5/28 | LA Clippers | Dallas | 3 | 8:30PM | ESPN/ BSSW |
| Sun | 5/30 | LA Clippers | Dallas | 4 | 8:30PM | TNT/ BSSW |
| Wed | 6/2 | Dallas | LA Clippers | 5* | TBD | TBD |
| Fri | 6/4 | LA Clippers | Dallas | 6* | TBD | TBD |
| Sun | 6/6 | Dallas | LA Clippers | 7* | TBD | TBD |
