LOS ANGELES – Luka Doncic spoiled Kawhi Leonard’s return to the Clippers’ starting lineup with a 32-point and nine-assist night. The Mavericks beat LA 96-93 and evened the best-of-seven series at one game apiece.
As playoff matchups usually are, this was a physical game. Dallas stressed the importance of playing with more physicality after allowing Ivica Zubac to dominate them down low in Game 1.
The Mavericks as a team were much more physical in Game 2, and Doncic, in particular, has stepped up to the challenge, playing some of the best defense of his young career.
“We know that they are going to put (Luka) in every pick and roll,” said Jason Kidd. “We had to tell him to participate, but I think he is participating at a high level on both ends. We need him on the offensive end, but we also need him on the defensive end, and he has been able to do that here in the first two games.”
It is no secret that Doncic is one of the most gifted offensive players in the league, but he is not known as a lockdown defender, and the Clippers are trying to wear him down on that side of the court as much as they can.
“That’s fine. I accept it. It gets me going on the defensive end, so if they want to attack me, that’s fine. I think I played good defense today, so I just have to stay locked in,” said Doncic.
The Clippers had their worst shooting night from the field this season (36.8%) and were not as fluid on offense as they were in their previous win.
It is hard to believe, but this was Leonard’s first home playoff game as a Clipper in front of a full crowd. He looked rusty after not playing in an NBA basketball game for the past three weeks and finished the first quarter with zero points.
He got better as the game went on, and for a long stretch in the third quarter, the offense ran through Leonard. He scored eight points in the quarter and showed he is at least healthy enough to shoulder the load for parts of the game.
Leonard’s return slightly threw LA into a funk offensively. James Harden, who has been carrying the extra weight, missed his first six three-point attempts after making his first three in game 1. Harden will have to adjust quickly before heading to Dallas now that Leonard is back in the fold.
Russ for three ? pic.twitter.com/CAZVgMfo9S
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 24, 2024
“We got pretty stagnant tonight in that fourth quarter, and I just want to be able to get a rhythm with the team,” said Leonard. “We have to be better as a unit overall, and it starts with me. Even if my wind is low, I gotta find a way.”
The Clippers held Dallas to under 100 points for a second straight game, which is a recipe for success. Despite the poor shooting night, they only lost by three to a team with two elite scorers. Tyronn Lue’s game plan to slow down the Mavericks is working.
“Our defense was great. Holding this team to 96 points, you can’t ask for anything better,” said Lue. “Just offensively being better, playing with more pace, getting to the paint a little bit more, and we missed a lot of shots. As far as what we did defensively, I will take that every day of the week.”
Heading to Dallas, the pressure is now on the Clippers to steal a game on the road. Leonard’s play will continue to rise as he gets more games under his belt, and playing 35 minutes in his first action since late March is a great sign moving forward.
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.”