LA Clippers: Three things to improve after game one

After iffy play in game one, here are three things the LA Clippers can improve.

In terms of making the Finals, game one was a success. The LA Clippers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 118-110.

The team came out looking hot, going up 10-0 in less than two minutes. After that though, they lost their edge and fell apart only to have to claw their way back to pull off the victory. All in all, the team looked rough and has room for improvement. Here are three things they can work on going forward in the series.

1. Fouls

Fouling was an issue from early on. The Clippers came out and looked to be aggressive. While it worked to start the game, they leaked into the “too aggressive” area and the refs began to make them pay. Paul George got into foul trouble early. Patrick Beverley nearly fouled out despite only playing for 20 minutes. Sure, the latter was likely due to him being fired up but that cannot happen.

It especially cannot happen when you are playing a historically great offensive team. Dallas went 21-24 from the free throw line, with 14 of the makes coming from Luka Doncic. No, I cannot sit here and say I expect Luka not to go to the line a ton but the Clippers didn’t do themselves any favors.

In fact, the team plans on staying aggressive with Luka based on what Paul George said postgame.

The team was in the penalty early, especially in the second quarter when the deficit grew. Fouling on drives is one thing but the team cannot pick up silly ones that cause Dallas to get to the line early. Sure, we may not have the same poor reffing (yes, it was bad on both sides. Porzingis should not have been gone) but the Clippers cannot rely on that. Ultimately, they just need to play good defense and not get baited into easy fouls.