One of the most exciting matchups in the first round of the NBA playoffs is between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers. After what went down last year, it’s fair to say that this series could potentially be full of animosity, scrappy, riveting and one that could feature a ton of highlights.
Clippers vs. Mavs: History to repeat itself?
Last year’s series went to six games. The Clippers were expected to end it earlier based on their talent alone but Mavs fans believed they had a shot—and the Mavs actually did. There were a ton of what ifs that happened in this series. What if Kristaps Porzingis was healthy? What if Luka Doncic never sprained his ankle?
But this year is a lot different for both teams. The Clippers are still the heavy favorites while the Mavs are a team that nobody should sleep on. A lot has changed for both teams particularly their roster, x and o’s, and the development of their superstars. For the Clippers, there’s a new coach leading the revenge tour and a couple of new players who add versatility and depth to their rotation.
The new coach, roster, and leadership are why the Clippers can make a deep playoff run this year. For this preview, we pinpoint three (3) reasons why the Clippers will beat the Mavs in the first round of the playoffs:
Ty Lue is an outstanding playoff coach
Sure, he was on Doc Rivers’ side last season on the same Clippers squad, but Lue has turned this team around—at least based on the Clippers’ regular season. The Clippers finished this season having the third-best offensive rating in the league (116.7) and are a deadly three point shooting team. If you watched their regular season games, you’ll understand why they’re more legit this time around.
Their x and o’s are pristine and it helps that Paul George is in redemption mode this season. George is averaging 23.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game this season. Lue, a brilliant offensive coach, has found ways to put Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and his role players in the right spots to maximize them on the court. The Clippers’ offensive sets are just so much better this year and that’s going to speak for itself in the postseason.
Much more talented depth
The Clippers are an outstanding shooting team. Players like Nicolas Batum, Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard, Marcus Morris Sr, Terance Mann, and DeMarcus Cousins are all shooting 40 percent or above from downtown. Their shooting is one of their biggest strengths and could slay all comers if they get hot on any given night. As great as Doncic is, the Clippers just have more talent compared to the Mavs. The best way they can win is if Lue gets his rotations right and utilizes his players correctly, which he has done over the regular season.
The Clippers can contain Luka
When you say Dallas Mavericks, the first player you’ll think of is Doncic. Doncic is their system and the reason why they’re in the fifth seed of the competitive Western Conference. The Clippers last year couldn’t stop Doncic (who can at this point?) but at least contained him throughout the series. Doncic averaged 31.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game last playoffs including one of the most amazing game winners in playoff history.
Thankfully for the Clippers, they have two trustable wings who can guard Doncic. No, they cannot stop him completely but Leonard and George are two of the best defenders on the Clippers who can take on the challenge of guarding the rising superstar. If they can contain Doncic and make his life hell, there’s a good chance the Clippers advance once again.
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