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The Dallas Mavericks were outplayed in Game 1 as the LA Clippers rolled to a 109-97 win. The Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard but had no problem dismantling Dallas. The Clippers led from beginning to end. The Mavs could not keep up with the Clippers shooting.
LA went 18-of-36 from 3-point range. James Harden led the way with 28 points and eight assists. Five Clippers scored in double figures including three scoring at least 20.
Russell Westbrook was solid off the bench with 13 points. Ivica Zubac had a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds.
The Mavs were much less efficient. They hit 30.3% of their 3-point shots and were 38.8% from the field.
Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic did their best to keep the Mavericks in the game. Doncic had 33 points on 11-of-26 shooting. Irving added 31 points on 10-of-18. No other Maverick had more than P.J. Washington’s 11 points.
The Mavericks will try to bounce back in Game 2. It was a stunning loss as the Clippers were the far better team without their best star. Head coach Jason Kidd will have to work on helping the Mavericks bounce back in Game 2. Let’s take a look at some of the key adjustments for the next game plan.
3 Dallas Mavericks adjustments for Game 2
No. 1 - Stop playing Maxi Kleber at the 4
Kleber struggled to defend at the four spots, playing 27 minutes. He struggled to defend the Clippers wing players and could not help slow down their 3-point onslaught. He also did not help much on the offensive end as the usual solid shooter went 1-of-5 shooting. Kidd and the Mavs may need to move Kleber to the three to switch up defensive rotations.
No. 2 - Give Josh Green more min, use him on Harden
Josh Green was a +11 in +/- in Game 1, only playing nine minutes. Many clamored for more minutes from Green moving forward. Green played well this season with 8.2 points per game. He averaged 26.4 minutes per game this season, so his low minutes were a surprise. He could get more runs in Game 1 after the Mavs' struggles.
No. 3 - Put PJ Washington in screening actions as a roller/use him at the dunker spot
PJ Washington finished with 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting, adding seven rebounds. Washington was not used in many of the offensive sets and screen actions. Kidd should utilize his athleticism and versatility in the Clippers defense. Washington as a screener with Doncic and Irving should set him up as a dynamic roller to find easier offense for Dallas. He can also be dynamic in dunking, finishing off lobs from Irving and Doncic.
