A Deep LA Clippers Team Overcomes the Challenge of Luka Doncic and the Mavs

A buzzer-beating loss at the hands of the Phoenix Suns left the LA Clippers stunned. Doc Rivers and his team registered their second loss in three games when Devin Booker hit the dagger to win the game. However, the Clippers bounced back in convincing fashion on the back of a powerful unit that combined to outplay the Dallas Mavericks. 

The Dallas Mavericks vs the LA Clippers might have just given us a preview of a potential first-round playoff matchup. But, the Mavs’ loss on the night saw them falling against a deep Clippers lineup. 

The Clippers tend to slide their momentum when both Kawhi and Paul George are out on the bench. However, a dominant display by the role players powered the Clippers to victory on a night where Kristaps Porzingis recorded his third 30 point game in the bubble. 

During moments in the third quarter when the Clippers took the court without both their star performers, players like JaMychal Green and Reggie Jackson stepped up. 30-year-old Green displayed a great game on the night. An impeccable shooting performance by Green saw him making 100% of the shots that he took in the game which includes two 3-pointers. 

Lou Williams played several minutes and connected well with the team today. Marcus Morris Sr. once again started the game for the Clippers and dominated with his presence. Even though the Mavericks had the big lineup, their rebound dominance did not have a huge impact on the gave towards the end. 

The MVP for the LA Clippers

Even though Kawhi Leonard top-scored in the team, the Clippers made a bright start to the game thanks to Ivica Zubac. The 23-year-old big man managed to make a huge impact on this game which will boost his confidence for the upcoming matchups.

Zubac got 21 points and 15 rebounds on the night to record his second straight double-double.  The 7’0” center proved to be a dominant presence on both ends of the court. Moreover, the former Laker was also the best player in the game due to his all-round performance. Zubac did not attempt any three-point shots, but stood out with his field goal record. He maintained a flawless field goal percentage as he made every single shot of the ten that he attempted.

Zubac against Pozrings was also a fun-watch. The Mavs talent registered a few buckets soaring over Zubac, but the Clippers star had the last laugh with a crucial block in the fourth quarter. 

A consistent performance by Kawhi and PG

A game that went very close for three quarters, turned into a predictable one towards the end. The final twelve minutes of the game was completely dominated by the Clippers, who outscored their opponents by nine points. The overall stats too heavily reflect as the Clippers being the better team in the game. The LA side recorded an impressive 54.3% field goal conversion rate compared to the Mavs’ 44.8%. 

The Mavs stayed within reaching distance till the scores were tied at 101 with 6:40 on the clock. The Clippers then scored nine straight points after which it became too difficult for Luka Doncic and his team. Doncic scored 29 points in the game and shot decently from the field and beyond the perimeter. The Mavs’ loss also means that they have failed to win all three of their games against the Clippers this season. How long would the series last if these two teams met in the first round of the playoffs?

PG13 went loose in the final quarter and racked up nine points to push his final tally to 24 points, 7 rebounds, and six assists. The Clippers did show that they are capable of staying in the bubble till the very end. Kawhi Leonard, one of the main reasons behind the Clippers’ strength, got 29 points to his name. 

The two-time champion is becoming scarily good, shooting from everywhere on the court. Kawhi has no comfort zone with his range and that is what makes him one of the most dangerous players in the NBA. With Paul George and Kawhi both finding their rhythm inside the bubble, how far will the LA Clippers go this season?  

SOURCE: Jovan Buha – Twitter,  Mavs Fans For Life – Twitter,  NBA.com – Clippers vs Mavericks