The Los Angeles Clippers dropped their first game versus the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. One big reason as to why the Clippers took the L was because they shot 27.5% (11-of-40) from 3-point range. The Clippers' 3-point prowess is a huge part of their attack as they shot 41.1% in the regular season en route to the No. 3 offensive rating in the NBA.

But the shots weren't dropping on Sunday, and the Clippers had no answer for Luka Doncic in their 113-103 loss.

The Mavericks put the clamps on the explosive Clippers offensive in this game, especially late in the fourth quarter, helping them steal a game in Los Angeles. While some of this was just LA missing shots, Dallas deserves credit for playing strong defense.

Why is the Clippers’ 3-point shooting their x-factor?

When the Clippers are making 3-pointers at their normal rate, they're close to unbeatable. But if they're struggling from beyond the arc, they become much more ordinary. It didn’t help the Clippers that both their superstars in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George underperformed, scoring 49 points in Game 1 but shooting a mediocre 17-of-40 from the field and 3-of-14 on 3-pointers. Leonard was especially poor late in the game.

The Mavs’ scoring was mostly produced by Luka Doncic, who had a triple-double of 31 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. That’s more than half of what Leonard and Goerge had combined. George shot poorly to start the first half while Leonard carried the team to start the game, but then the roles reversed later. While it’s ideal for the superstars to be involved, the Clippers are at their best when their role players are the ones shooting from downtown as well. 

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The balance the Clippers need to find

When it comes to the postseason, rotations are smaller, hence why some players won’t even get to play. One example is Luke Kennard, who the Clippers signed to a four-year, $64 million contract after acquiring him in an offseason trade. Kennard has been in and out of the rotation all season but was a 3-point marksman when he did play.

Perhaps the Clippers will turn to Kennard if the shooting continues to struggle. However, the Clippers’ rotation will likely be tighter compared to the regular season, when they were able to sneak in minutes for a lot of different 3-point shooting options. 

Key players just need to shoot better

One typically reliable 3-point shooter for the Clippers is Marcus Morris, but the veteran had a poor shooting night on Saturday. Morris only had four points, missed all six of his 3-point attempts and missed key free throws in the fourth quarter.

While Leonard and George weren't at their best, this game could have ended with a win if Morris, Reggie Jackson and Serge Ibaka didn't combine to go 0-of-11 from 3-point range. The Clippers depended heavily on Rajon Rondo (#PlayoffRondo), who did produce well and hit three of his four attempts from deep.

Simply put, Leonard and George have to shoot better and get their groove going, especially in crunch time. Their opponents are going to find ways to remove their shooting rhythm in the playoffs, hence why it’s important that they adjust on the fly. Then, they'll also need a bit more help and for other shooters to knock down shots as well.

The Clippers have a lot of offensive firepower and an ability to outsmart opponents. But things tighten up in the playoffs, and now LA must right the ship and show an ability to adjust when things aren't going well, especially when it comes to 3-point shooting.