How do the Mavericks handle the Clippers’ stars?
At the core of it, this is what it’s going to come down to. Do the Mavericks have any way to slow down the dynamic duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George?
Against the Mavericks this season, the pair are combining to average 56 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists, while playing typically solid defense. If the Mavs can’t bring those numbers down, they’re doomed.
Paul George has been particularly efficient against the Mavs, shooting 43/40/100 on FG/3PT/FT. Going back to the Clippers’ approach against Luka, if PG is shooting 40% on 3s and Luka is shooting 27% while both are shooting high volume, you can chalk up a pretty quick series.
Dorian Finney-Smith has been the primary defender for Dallas on Kawhi, and he hasn’t been particularly effective. Tim Hardaway, Jr. has been a bit more effective on Paul George, but he’s still letting PG shoot 50% from three while guarding him.
The Mavericks have to hope that there’s some other angle to attack the Clippers stars, but Clips fans must be feeling pretty optimistic about this matchup. If the defining matchups are Dorian Finney-Smith vs. Kawhi Leonard on one end, and Kawhi Leonard vs. Luka Doncic on the other end, it has to be advantage Clippers.
The Clippers take on the Mavericks Monday at 9:00 PM EST. Be sure to tune in and follow along with Clipperholics on Twitter!