The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 114-101, sealing a 4-2 series victory in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic triumphed, setting up a decisive match against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kyrie Irving scored 28 of his 30 points in the second half of the game for the Mavericks, securing their place in the Western Conference semi-finals and setting up a match against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Luka Doncic contributed 28 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds against the Clippers, who had eliminated Dallas in the first round of the playoffs in 2020 and 2021.

"In all honesty, I was physically tired and exhausted in that first half," said Irving. "Playing defence at a high level takes its toll.

"I'm grateful for my teammates picking me up. We went into half-time tied at 52-52, so it was anyone's game.

"Then we came out in the third quarter and I feel like we took the initiative, and the rest was history for the rest of the game."

The Orlando Magic's 103-96 victory over the Cavaliers levelled their Eastern Conference first-round series at 3-3, setting up a decisive seventh game.

Donovan Mitchell scored 50 points for the Cavaliers, but it wasn't enough against a Magic side led by Paolo Banchero with 27 points and Franz Wagner adding 26.

Cleveland will host the decider on Sunday, with the winner advancing to face the Boston Celtics.

"Our players will be ready for the moment," said Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff. "Our team has been strong at home, and we expect that to continue."

The home team has won all six games of the series so far.

"This is the moment you play for," said Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley.

"It's why you do it. You do it for these moments. So being on the road for game seven, the opportunity to come together and continue to grow with each game. I think that's what this group is looking forward to."

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have dismissed head coach Darvin Ham following their elimination from the first-round NBA playoffs by the Denver Nuggets.

Ham was in charge for two seasons and led the Lakers to victory in this season's inaugural in-season tournament, but they were defeated 4-1 by the Nuggets.

The Nuggets also defeated the Lakers in last year's Western Conference final on their way to their first NBA title.

"We greatly appreciate Darvin's efforts for the Lakers and acknowledge the many achievements over the past two seasons, including last year's impressive run to the Western Conference finals," said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.

"We all thank Darvin for his dedication and positivity. While this was a tough decision, it's the best course of action following a thorough review of the season."