LA Clippers: Three things to improve after loss to Dallas that evened the series

The LA Clippers have a lot to improve after Dallas evened the series 2-2.

That one hurt. I mean, really hurt. The LA Clippers dropped game four to the Dallas Mavericks, 135-133. The game will be remembered for a game-winner by Luka Doncic over Reggie Jackson as time expired in overtime but there was a lot that led up to that point.

There are definitely more than three things that the team needs to change if they want to take the advantage back in this series but let’s try to narrow it down.

1. Playing with emotion

After the loss, Doc Rivers addressed one of the problems the team often has.

While I wholeheartedly do not believe that this is anywhere near one of the worst problems the team, it is something that has to be dealt with. Doc Rivers is right. The team played emotionally weak.

This was apparent after the Clippers handed away a 21 point lead in the third quarter. LA seemed shellshocked and their offense sputtered. Is this on Rivers? Partially (More on him later). It’s also on the players, though.

I know Patrick Beverley not being able to play has taken away from some of the fire this team has. Even if he’s still not available in game five though, the team needs to find that passion.

I don’t know who steps up and leads on that front. Marcus Morris is probably my favorite to do so but honestly, there shouldn’t just be one player that focuses on their emotional energy. The team has to find a sense of urgency or they will find themselves down in the series just one game away from elimination.