The Dallas Mavericks fell to a 97-109 loss in Game 1 of the first round to the Los Angeles Clippers, who were without Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi’s questionable injury status created a lot of doubts about what the Clippers’ Game 1 lineup would be, something that threw the Mavericks off their game according to Luka Doncic.
“We prepared like he was going to play… But that should not change our mentality. Their mentality was next man up, and they did very well, very well… It’s the playoffs, so we got to stay focused 48 minutes.”
Luka Doncic on how the Mavs preparation was affected by Kawhi Leonard being out for Game 1:
"We were prepared like he was gonna play. But that shouldn't change our mentality. Their mentality was next man up. I think they executed very well." pic.twitter.com/1YKSxCLTF4
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 21, 2024
Kyrie Irving also commented on Kawhi’s absence in the contest, discussing how his absence could negatively affect a team but complimenting how fast the Clippers adjusted.
“It is a psychological game, playing chess, playing high-level combative game, competitive game. When someone like Kawhi who has a huge presence for their team isn’t playing, there is a bit of an adjustment period mentally because that means that other guys have to step up.”
Kyrie Irving on facing the Clippers without Kawhi Leonard:
“It is a psychological game, playing chess, playing high-level combative game, competitive game. When someone like Kawhi who has a huge presence for their team isn't playing, there is a bit of an adjustment period… pic.twitter.com/mIVwasUbAa
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 22, 2024
It seems both Luka and Kyrie are painting Kawhi’s absence as something that negatively impacted Dallas more than it negatively impacted the Clippers. The Mavericks need to hold themselves accountable for their slow start to the game, which prompted them to enter halftime with a 26-point deficit.
Luka stuffed the stat sheet with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, but his play was unimpressive and lethargic. Kyrie was the best Mavericks player on the night with 31 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. However, all other Mavs’ teammates combining for 33 points was never going to be enough.
The Clippers shared the load amongst each other in Kawhi’s absence. James Harden had 28 points, while Paul George contributed 22 points to the win. Ivica Zubac had a monster game with 20 points and 15 rebounds in a huge win.
Series Momentum Shifts Drastically In Game 1
Heading into this game, the Clippers had to have been deflated with Kawhi Leonard not playing the game. With the Clippers’ poor end-season form and the Mavericks being red-hot, Kawhi’s injury led to most people assuming the Mavericks have an easy win on their hands. But their poor play has led to the Clippers taking a huge advantage without Leonard even playing.
The Clippers will feel extremely excited ahead of Game 2, as they could take a sizeable advantage with another win. Kawhi is reportedly targeting soon, so if he’s playing in Game 2 or 3, the Mavericks could find themselves in a disadvantaged situation. Hopefully, we see a more engaged Doncic who can find ways to get his teammates going once again.
The Clippers look content in letting Doncic and Irving be the ones to beat them with their massive production. As a result, Dallas needs to find ways of consistently stopping the talented offensive firepower of the Clippers to ensure Doncic and Irving’s production can lead to wins.
I would still stick with my prediction of Mavericks in six games, but that is looking more challenging after this performance.
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