Luka Doncic vs. Kawhi Leonard Head-To-Head Playoffs Comparison

The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers are set for an exciting battle in the first round of the 2024 Playoffs and all eyes are on Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard. These two stars have a history of competing against each other in the playoffs, and we have the breakdown of which player has the edge and who is likely to win the series. 

Points Per Game

Luka Doncic: 33.5 PPG

Kawhi Leonard: 32.5 PPG

Luka Doncic has showcased his ability to be a high-volume scorer for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging an impressive 33.5 points per game. His scoring output is even more commendable considering he has historically been the number one option for the Mavericks. This responsibility has required Doncic to shoulder a significant offensive load, making his scoring efficiency all the more impressive. This year, however, he has Kyrie Irving beside him.

On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard, despite averaging slightly fewer points at 32.5 per game, benefits from having a more balanced offensive arsenal with the Los Angeles Clippers. He has the luxury of scoring help from players like Paul George, which allows him to share the offensive burden and potentially be more selective with his shots.

In conclusion, while both Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard are exceptional scorers in their own right, Doncic’s higher points per game average reflects his role as the primary scoring option for the Mavericks.

Rebounds Per Game

Luka Doncic: 8.8 RPG

Kawhi Leonard: 8.9 RPG

When comparing Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard in terms of rebounding during the playoffs, the two players are remarkably close in their averages. Luka Doncic has been pulling down 8.8 rebounds per game for the Dallas Mavericks, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly on the boards despite his primary role as a scorer.

Similarly, Kawhi Leonard has been nearly identical in his rebounding production, averaging 8.9 rebounds per game for the Los Angeles Clippers. Leonard’s ability to secure rebounds complements his scoring prowess and showcases his versatility as a two-way player. In this aspect of the game, the two players are almost evenly matched, with Leonard holding a slight edge in rebounding.

Assists Per Game

Luka Doncic: 9.5 APG

Kawhi Leonard: 4.8 APG

Luka Doncic has excelled as a natural point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging an impressive 9.5 assists per game. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates highlights his playmaking skills and his importance as the primary offensive facilitator for the Mavericks.

In contrast, Kawhi Leonard, despite being a forward and having defensive responsibilities, has contributed significantly fewer assists, averaging 4.8 per game. Leonard’s role with the Los Angeles Clippers emphasizes his defensive capabilities and scoring prowess, which often limit his opportunities to act as a playmaker.

Doncic’s natural position as a point guard and his status as the primary offensive option for the Mavericks necessitate a higher playmaking role, resulting in a higher assist average. Conversely, Leonard’s responsibilities as a forward, combined with his defensive duties and scoring responsibilities, restrict his playmaking opportunities.

Steals Per Game

Luka Doncic: 1.2 SPG

Kawhi Leonard: 2.3 SPG

Luka Doncic has averaged 1.2 steals per game for the Dallas Mavericks, a respectable figure that highlights his defensive contributions but falls short of Leonard’s defensive impact. The difference in steals per game between Doncic and Leonard can be attributed to their respective defensive roles and priorities.

Kawhi Leonard is widely regarded as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA, and his higher steal average reflects his defensive prowess and his ability to generate turnovers. Luka Doncic’s slightly lower steal average is a testament to his well-rounded game but also reflects his primary role as an offensive playmaker for the Dallas Mavericks, which may prioritize his offensive responsibilities over defensive pursuits.

Blocks Per Game

Luka Doncic: 0.5 BPG

Kawhi Leonard: 0.8 BPG

Luka Doncic, while not known for his shot-blocking prowess, has contributed 0.5 blocks per game for the Dallas Mavericks. This is a respectable figure for a guard and highlights his willingness to contest shots and contribute defensively despite his primary offensive role. His size of 6’7” also helps him block shots effectively when he has a chance to do so.

Once again, Kawhi Leonard maintains a slight edge in this defensive category. Leonard has been averaging 0.8 blocks per game for the Los Angeles Clippers, demonstrating his ability to protect the rim and contribute as a shot-blocker despite playing primarily on the perimeter as a forward. No doubt, Leonard’s slightly higher blocks per game average highlights his defensive versatility and impact as a shot-blocker for the Clippers.

Field-Goal Percentage

Luka Doncic: 49.4%

Kawhi Leonard: 57.6%

Luka Doncic, despite being a high-volume scorer and shouldering a heavy offensive load for the Dallas Mavericks, has managed an impressive field-goal percentage of 49.4%. This efficiency is commendable, considering Doncic’s role as the primary offensive option, which often requires him to create scoring opportunities and take difficult shots.

On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard has been more selective with his shot attempts for the Los Angeles Clippers, leading to a significantly higher field-goal percentage of 57.6%. Leonard’s ability to pick his spots and take high-percentage shots showcases his offensive efficiency and basketball IQ. 

Doncic’s slightly lower field-goal percentage, despite his high-volume scoring, reflects the difficulty of the shots he often has to create for himself and his teammates. In contrast, Leonard’s higher field-goal percentage is indicative of his ability to capitalize on quality scoring opportunities and his selective shot-taking.

3-Point Percentage

Luka Doncic: 39.2%

Kawhi Leonard: 36.5%

Luka Doncic, despite being the primary offensive option and shouldering a significant scoring load for the Dallas Mavericks, has managed to maintain a respectable 3-point shooting percentage of 39.2%. His ability to shoot the ball effectively from long range adds another dimension to his offensive game and makes him a more potent scoring threat.

Kawhi Leonard, known for his scoring prowess and offensive versatility, has posted a 3-point shooting percentage of 36.5%. While slightly lower than Doncic’s percentage, Leonard’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from beyond the arc remains a valuable asset for the Clippers’ offense. No doubt, Leonard will need to shoot better against Luka to get over the hump this time because Kyrie Irving is nailing 41.1% from three this year.

Free-Throw Percentage

Luka Doncic: 60.0%

Kawhi Leonard: 87.5%

On the other hand, Luka Doncic has struggled from the free-throw line, shooting 60.0%. Doncic’s lower free-throw percentage is a notable weakness in his game, especially for a player who frequently drives to the basket and draws fouls as part of his high-volume scoring approach.

Kawhi Leonard has been almost automatic from the free-throw line, shooting an impressive 87.5%. His consistency and reliability from the charity stripe make him a valuable asset in late-game situations and add to his offensive efficiency. Perhaps the strategy for Leonard and the Clippers will be to foul Luka to force him to the line instead of giving him easy opportunities.

Playoff Series Record: Kawhi Leonard vs. Luka Doncic 2-0 (8-5)

Kawhi Leonard earns the advantage in the series record over Luka Doncic heading into the 2024 Western Conference First Round. Leonard and the Clippers took care of Doncic and the Mavericks in six games in the 2020 First Round, followed by an intense seven-game series in 2021. Over 13 games played, Leonard has won eight of them and he earns the edge in this category. 

Doncic has managed higher scoring numbers in their series showdowns, but Leonard has the advantage of constantly having a better team that features players such as Paul George. With Kyrie Irving on Luka’s side, perhaps the tide will shift in the 2024 Playoffs. 

Final Score

Kawhi Leonard vs. Luka Doncic 6-3

Kawhi Leonard wins the head-to-head comparison by managing higher defensive statistics, along with rebounds and shooting percentages. The Claw is a far more controlled player on both ends of the court and picks his spots, while Doncic tends to be a high-volume player who has to carry a heavy burden offensively. 

Doncic has to take advantage of being a better all-around scorer and playmaker and try to hurt Leonard this postseason by targeting him. Even if Leonard is an elite defender, it will exhaust him having to defend Doncic every possession. Regardless, Leonard can enter the matchup this postseason knowing he has an edge in stats and also in series wins. 

Who Wins The Best-Of-7 Series Between The Mavericks And Clippers?

Based on the head-to-head comparison of Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard in the playoffs, Kawhi Leonard holds the advantage in five out of eight statistical categories, demonstrating his overall impact and contributions on both ends of the floor. Additionally, the Los Angeles Clippers have a 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2020 and 2021 first-round playoffs and have won 8 of the 13 matchups between the two teams.

Considering the Clippers’ roster depth with players like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Norman Powell, compared to the Mavericks’ reliance primarily on Luka Doncic and the addition of Kyrie Irving, the Clippers appear to be the favorites in a best-of-7 series between the two teams.

While Luka Doncic has demonstrated his scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and offensive versatility, Kawhi Leonard’s superior defensive contributions, efficiency, and previous success in the playoffs give the Clippers an edge. Paul George’s scoring ability, combined with the potential impact of James Harden and Russell Westbrook, further strengthens the Clippers’ offensive firepower and depth.

Despite the Clippers being the favorites, it is expected to be a hotly contested 7-game series. The Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic and with the addition of Kyrie Irving, are capable of putting up a strong fight and extending the series. However, the Clippers’ overall roster depth, defensive capabilities, and previous success against the Mavericks give them the edge to win the series in seven games in a closely contested matchup.

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