DALLAS, TX — Today was the start of a new season–postseason that is–and it’s the chance for players and teams to shift gears and attempt to play their best brand of basketball. The Dallas Mavericks (0-1) opened Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs against arguably the best team in the league and championship title favorite, the Los Angeles Clippers (1-0) tonight.
The Clippers are led by the dynamic duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The one-two punch is a nightmare for any team who has to play them. As for Dallas, they have their own daunting duo of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. Call it the David and Goliath type of playoff series.
Tonight’s starting lineups:
DALLAS
Luka Doncic G
Tim Hardaway Jr. G
Maxi Kleber C
Dorian Finney-Smith F
Kristaps Porzingis F
LA CLIPPERS
Patrick Beverley G
Paul George G
Ivica Zubac C
Kawhi Leonard F
Marcus Morris F
As expected, the Clippers came out hot scoring 10 straight points before Mavs Head Coach Rick Carlise called a timeout to slow things down and readjust the Mavericks’ plan of attack. After a few missed baskets, Dallas found their footing and started to close the gap. The Clippers led by as much as 16 points in the first quarter. To make matters worse, the Mavericks had eight turnovers in the opening frame. Things were looking bleak for Dallas before the game truly got going.
After getting tripped up down the lane, Doncic was slow to get up while holding his left ankle. He briefly left the game to get checked by team trainers. Fortunately, he returned to the game with 3:54 left in the first quarter.
The Clippers held on to a narrow lead of 38-34 to end the first quarter.
Before the game got too ugly, the Mavericks jumped out to a 12-2 run to start the second quarter. They continued to fight their way back and went on a 48-18 run in the first half. An ugly start was soon forgotten with an epic recovery.
Dallas held on to a 69-66 lead at halftime. Their comeback effort should be credited to the fact that they made 12 3-pointers in the first half which was the most in any half in Mavericks playoff history.
The tides turned in the third quarter for Dallas. They posted a mere 13 points and didn’t look as energized as they did in the first half. Kristaps Porzingis also collected his second technical foul of the night and was ejected from the game. A short lived scuffle between a few Clippers and Mavericks including Marcus Morris and Doncic caused Porzingis to shove Morris. Losing such a key player like Porzingis in the third frame was a tough blow for Dallas.
To close out the game, the Clippers finished stronger in the clutch minutes and walked away victorious winning 118-110.
LEADING SCORERS
Kawhi Leonard – 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists
Luka Doncic posted a new record for the most points in a playoff debut with 42 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Game 1 had a few highs and lows for both teams. It’s a David and Goliath type of playoff series where Dallas is the clear underdog. The Mavericks have been winless against the Clippers this season and lost by 15 points for the second time in their most recent matchup in the bubble prior to tonight’s game. However, coming back from a 10-0 deficit to start the first quarter and only losing by eight points is still something to be proud about.
Taking down two-time NBA Finals MVP Leonard who already has two championship titles under his belt will be no easy feat for Doncic and company. In fact, it’s been four years since the Mavericks have played postseason ball so a good portion of the roster has little to no playoff experience. This will be the first time since 1990 that Dallas will be without Dirk Nowitzki in the postseason.
In this new era, Carlisle’s young team has much to learn because 21 turnovers in tonight’s game is simply unacceptable but the future is looking bright. It’s a best of seven series so there will be plenty of chances for the Mavericks to make any adjustments and put together a more complete game. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at 8:00pm CT.
Dallas Mavericks (43-32, 0-0) Los Angeles Clippers (49-23, 0-0)
1st quarter: DAL 38 LAC 34
Kawhi gets the first points of the game
Mavericks turnover the ball 3 times with 10:55 left in 1st quarter
Clippers open the game on a 10-0 run, Carlisle calls timeout
Doncic scores first for the Mavericks
Doncic slipped and was slow to get up
6 Turnovers in almost 5 minutes into the game
Luka left the game briefly to get attended by trainers
KP made 1 for 2 FTs and made it a 3-point game down 22-19
Curry drained a 3-pointer to tie the game at 22-22
Luka returned to the game at 3:54 left in 1st
MKG hit a 3-pointer to give the Mavs their first lead of the night
Luka sank a 3-pointer right before the buzzer
Clippers led by as many as 16 points in the opening frame
Dallas has 8 turnovers
Luka has 11 points
Kawhi has 9 pts, Paul George has 8 pts
2nd quarter: DAL 69 LAC 66
Dallas on 12-2 run to open the quarter
Dallas has 12 3-pointers, most 3-pt FGM in any half in Dallas playoffs history
Dallas went on a 48-18 run
FT 15/16 for Dallas
Halftime
Luka – 19 points, 5 rebs, 6 ast
Porzingis – 14 pts, 4 reb, blk
Kawhi – 15 points, 2 rebs, 2 ast
Paul – 15 pts, reb, ast
3rd quarter DAL 82 LAC 87
2nd tech on KP and he gets ejected
Luka and Marcus Morris got in each other’s face and KP pushed Marcus causing him to get his second technical
MKG checks in for KP
Mavericks were outscored 21-13 in the 3rd
4th quarter
Tim launched a 3-pointer to tied the 89-89
Montrezl slam dunk put the Clippers up 91-89
