The Los Angeles Clippers held off an epic fightback from the Dallas Mavericks to win 116-111 and level the series in the Western Conference play-offs.

The Mavericks were down by 31 points in the first half, but, inspired by Kyrie Irving’s 40 points, took the lead before the Clippers regained control in the final minutes.

James Harden and Paul George starred for the Clippers, scoring 33 points each.

The Clippers’ victory in Dallas levels the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

Should the Mavericks have won, they would have matched the play-off record of the biggest comeback win the Clippers set against the Golden State Warriors in 2019.

Mavericks star Luka Doncic recorded the only triple double of the match, scoring 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, but it was in vain.

Game five of the first round series takes place in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, the New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 97-92 to take a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference tie.

Jalen Brunson starred for the Knicks, scoring 47 points and recording 10 assists as his side bounced back from defeat in game three.

Brunson’s exploits also saw the American become the first player in franchise history to post at least 30 points and 10 assists in consecutive play-off games.

Two-time Cheltenham Festival winner Shishkin has died after breaking a leg in an accident in his stable, says his trainer Nicky Henderson.

The horse had been due to race in the Punchestown Gold Cup on Wednesday.

Shishkin won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2020 and the Arkle Chase the following year.

“This is a very sad night. He was our star and we will never forget him,” said Henderson.

Shishkin had refused to race at Ascot earlier in the season but was then in contention to win the King George VI Chase before a late fall.

He missed the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March when Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard was hit by a virus, then was fourth in the Aintree Bowl in his last outing.

“Everyone involved with Seven Barrows, particularly his owners, Joe and Marie Donnelly, Jaydon, Nico and George are obviously devastated that such a great horse, friend and warrior has gone,” added Henderson.

“He was an absolute superstar and his CV is testament to that. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Arkle were his Cheltenham highlights, but the battle with Energumene in the Clarence House at Ascot was probably his greatest.

“Thank you Shishkin for the wonderful memories.”

Erling Haaland marked his return with a goal as Manchester City kept up the pressure on leaders Arsenal with victory over Nottingham Forest.

He slotted into the left corner nine minutes later to wrap up the points and move City back to a point behind Premier League front-runners Arsenal, who won at Tottenham earlier on Sunday.

City went ahead 32 minutes in as Josko Gvardiol scored with a powerful near-post header from Kevin de Bruyne’s inswinging corner.

That came while Forest’s Neco Williams was off the pitch receiving treatment for an injury, which subsequently forced his substitution.

Pep Guardiola’s City have a game in hand over Arsenal but may still need to win all of their games between now and the end of the season to secure a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.

This was a far from comfortable afternoon for the visitors as Forest disrupted their flow and created a number of good opportunities.

Based on this performance, it is hard to believe Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are in a relegation fight, but they remain just one point above the drop zone.

After a tumultuous time off the pitch in which they have criticised refereeing standards, this was a determined display from Forest but they ultimately paid the price for missed chances.

City get the job done

Playing in the last match of the weekend, City had watched rivals Liverpool perhaps knocked out of the title race with a draw at West Ham on Saturday before Arsenal secured their victory in the North London derby to briefly go four points clear.

City faced Forest without Phil Foden and Ruben Dias, absent from the squad through illness, while Haaland was deemed fit enough just for the bench.

There was further concern as goalkeeper Ederson had to be replaced by Stefan Ortega at half-time after picking up an apparent shoulder injury from a clash with Willy Boly, having only returned to the side two matches ago after recovering from a muscle problem.

Mateo Kovacic was brought on at half-time for Jeremy Doku as Guardiola tried to introduce more control in the middle of the park, but Forest remained solid, getting in behind and causing problems as they sought an equaliser.

With City facing pressure, it was only when Haaland scored – in front of his dad and former City and Forest player Alfie Haaland – that the result seemed assured.

While not a vintage performance from the visitors, City’s quality eventually shone through with De Bruyne setting up both goals, taking his assists tally for the season to 14 across all competitions.

It means the title remains in City’s hands. If both they and Arsenal keep winning, and City take advantage of their game in hand, then Guardiola’s team will take the title by two points.

Recent history tells us that at this point in the season, City know how to turn it on when it matters.

More to follow.

Player of the match

GrealishJack Grealish

Nottingham Forest

1. Squad number32Player nameOmobamidele

2. Squad number40Player nameMurillo

3. Squad number43Player nameAina

4. Squad number14Player nameHudson-Odoi

5. Squad number30Player nameBoly

6. Squad number21Player nameElanga

7. Squad number28Player nameDanilo

8. Squad number10Player nameGibbs-White

9. Squad number19Player nameNiakhaté

10. Squad number7Player nameN Williams

11. Squad number29Player nameMontiel

12. Squad number26Player nameSels

13. Squad number11Player nameWood

14. Squad number6Player nameSangaré

15. Squad number20Player nameReyna

16. Squad number22Player nameYates