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The predictions are handling the LA Clippers an easy round 1 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. In fact, most analysts see Clippers reaching the NBA finals and eventually lifting the trophy. This clears one bit- the expectations from the Clippers are high that they will finally bring an NBA Championship home.

With great power comes great responsibility. It is evident that Kawhi Leonard is keen on following this Peter Parker principle ahead of their post-season games. He is in no mood to count his opponents as any less as he takes his team forward from here.

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Kawhi Leonard knows his priorities

While every eye will remain stuck on the face-off between Kawhi and Luka Doncic, there are other players who too can make the difference. On the same lines, The Claw has specified a mention- Kristaps Porzingis. Journalist Callie Caplan posted Kawhi’s opinion about Kristaps on Twitter and it said, “He’s what? 7-something? 7-2? 7-foot? Can shoot the ball, can dribble, make plays out of the post, even from the three-point line, dribble driving.” 

Kristaps began his career with the New York Knicks, for whom he played in three seasons. He joined the Mavs in the 2019-20 season and has averaged 20.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in the regular season. He is most definitely a threat to any team, and Kawhi has noted it.

LA Clippers vs the Dallas Mavericks equation

The Clippers are 5-3 in the bubble so far while the Mavs are just the opposite of that, 3-5. The two teams played against one another on August 7, where Clippers comfortably won 126-111. In that match, too, Porzingis was the highest scorer with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. However, an extraordinary play by Ivica Zubac (21 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist) among other performances snatched away the victory from Mavs.

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The Mavs will depend hugely on star 21-year old Luka Doncic, KP, and Tim Hardaway Jr. The Clippers will have Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Ivica Zubac to ride on. The two teams will meet on August 17 at 9:00 PM ET (ESPN).

Read also – “They Don’t Believe Me”: LA Clippers Teammate Hails Kawhi Leonard as the Best Player in the NBA