2024 NBA Playoffs Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks – The most interesting first round NBA Playoffs series.
The beauty of the first round of the NBA Playoffs is definitely the clash between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers. They are both in good form, and their ambitions are highest possible. The question that arises is certainly the consistency with which they would justify the quality in the roster they possess.
It’s clear that the lineup from the “City of Angels” has a deeper roster, but one should not underestimate for a moment all that the franchise owned by Mark Cuban can offer. One anecdote best describes the American businessman and owner of the Dallas Mavericks:
“If you had to choose, your wife or Luka Doncic, what would you choose?” – they asked Mark Cuban, to which he replied:
“Where do I sign the divorce papers?”
Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks – H2H
This will be the third time in the last five NBA seasons that the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks will clash in the playoffs. There have been numerous roster changes, but one name remains the same – Luka Doncic.
The team from the “City of Angels” emerged victorious both times. Interestingly, they had never met before that. They have played a total of 13 games in the two mentioned series, with the Los Angeles Clippers winning eight times and the Dallas Mavericks winning five times.
In the 2019/2020 season, the Los Angeles Clippers won by 4-2, while a year later, the popular “decider” determined the outcome after seven games played, with the same epilogue. The unsportsmanlike conduct of the duo Montrezl Harrell – Marcus Morris is remembered, as they openly provoked Luka Doncic in an attempt to throw him off his game. When we look at the outcome of these series, it’s evident that they succeeded in doing so.
This season head-to-head
- Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers – 144:126
- Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks – 107:88
- Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers – 111:120
Marcus Morris and Montrezl Harrell were playing dirty as hell to try and stop Luka. Now that they’re gone, hopefully we’ll get a great series without the extra stuff. pic.twitter.com/Rue2thGlpa
— Glen (@Glenjr1988) April 13, 2024
Los Angeles Clippers Strenghts and Weaknesses
- Strenghts – When we consider the names that play for the Los Angeles Clippers – Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Paul George – it definitely promises a lot. After all, the club’s leaders have brought them together to achieve their ultimate goal, which is winning the NBA title.
The Los Angeles Clippers rank fourth in offensive rating during the NBA regular season (117.9). This is particularly significant when considering that the defense of the Dallas Mavericks ranks among the bottom ten in the NBA.
- Weaknesses – When the Los Angeles Clippers are in good form, they seem to have few weaknesses. Perhaps their biggest problem lies in their bench unit, led by Russell Westbrook after he voluntarily agreed to come off the bench. During those minutes when the core team led by the aforementioned names is not on the court, they have often lacked offensive solutions, and their defense during those moments is not something to boast about either.
Dallas Mavericks Strenghts and Weaknesses
- Strenghts – The biggest advantage of this team lies in the individual abilities of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The former finished the season as the NBA’s leading scorer with averages of 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game. Kyrie Irving has fully committed to the team and has shown excellent form in the final stages of the season, finishing with 25.6 points per game along with five rebounds and assists each.
The three-point shot from good ball movement is definitely the most dangerous weapon of the Dallas Mavericks, along with the individual quality possessed by Doncic and Irving. Only the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors have made more three-pointers than the Dallas Mavericks this season, who have made 1197. Additionally, they shoot as a team with a 37% success rate. Interestingly, exactly 37% of their team’s points are scored from three-pointers.
- Weaknesses – The Dallas Mavericks rank 20th in the NBA in defensive rating. Their defense is definitely the aspect they will need to focus on the most in preparation for the upcoming playoffs. They have gained a lot with the arrival of PJ Washington in that regard, and it is expected that Dereck Lively, who is injured but expected to return during the playoffs, will also make a significant contribution.
X-factor: Dante Exum
For all the mentioned names, it’s expected that they deliver their share and somehow make a difference. However, when it comes to playoff series like these, the X factor is always someone with a lesser-known name who could potentially cause disruption from the shadows and completely turn the series around.
When discussing these two teams, the X factor could be Australian Dante Exum in the ranks of the Dallas Mavericks. After two seasons in Europe, during which he played for Barcelona and Partizan, he regained his recognizable form and confidence, he has maximized the trust of coach Jason Kidd.
During moments when Irving and Doncic were injured, he was the primary option at the guard positions. This season, he has played 55 games, with impressive shooting percentages – 53% from two and an impressive 49% from three-point range.
In the photo-finish of the season, it was precisely with some of his clutch shots that the Dallas Mavericks secured important wins. Moreover, he is capable of matching any opponent with his athleticism, and defensively, he stands out as the best on-ball defender in the Dallas Mavericks’ rotation.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks: Three things to watch
- Kawhi Leonard vs Luka Doncic: It’s to be expected that Kawhi Leonard, as one of the best defenders in the NBA, will be tasked with guarding Luka Doncic. The key will be how the Dallas Mavericks’ player reads the opponent’s defense because, apart from being a great scorer, he is someone who reads the game well and can find an open teammate at any position on the court.
- Kyrie Irving vs James Harden: A clash of familiar faces and former teammates from the Brooklyn Nets. Perhaps the most intriguing duel where defense won’t have much of a say. Both possess incredible offensive repertoires, and it’s expected that they’ll showcase them in this series. They aren’t known for their defensive prowess, so it will be interesting to see how they “measure up” offensively. Don’t be surprised if the outcome of this duel significantly influences the result of the entire series.
- Dallas Mavericks’ Defense: As we’ve already mentioned, the Texas franchise isn’t particularly focused on defensive tasks. They rank fifth in the NBA in scoring in transition (15.9 points), and for that, it’s not just good defense but also control of defensive rebounds that can enable fast breaks, which is a quality weapon for them.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction
Before the season began, at least on paper, the Los Angeles Clippers looked like one of the favorites to win the NBA title. However, when James Harden first arrived, they experienced a nine-game losing streak. It took time for things to fall into place, and when we compare it to the past few months, the Los Angeles Clippers now look like a real team. Perhaps their greatest strength, apart from individual quality, is the experience they possess due to the numerous playoff battles, as well as Kawhi Leonard’s championship mentality.
If Leonard is the individual who knows what it takes to win championships, on the other side, it’s Kyrie Irving. Often controversial off the court, dealing with topics that aren’t his strong suit, on the court, he feels at home and possesses a sporting audacity and a dose of confidence. At the end of the day, it was his three-pointer while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers that helped LeBron James and company achieve a historic comeback against the Golden State Warriors. Back then, he had James by his side, and now he has Luka Doncic in the form of his life. There’s no reason for him to feel insecure.
It’s expected that this series will last at least six games, and no one would be surprised if the winner is decided in a deciding game, “win or go home” showdown for both teams. One thing is clear, whoever wins will represent the toughest possible matchup for any opponent. Luka Doncic has some unfinished business against the Los Angeles Clippers, and after two playoff eliminations against them, we expect him to be even more motivated to lead his team to win.
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks in seven