"Make Kawhi look like a kid", "Bounced this guy 2 times relax": Mavericks and Clippers fans go back and forth as Luka Doncic hits too small

Luka Doncic versus Kawhi Leonard is the biggest and most highly anticipated matchup in the first-round series between the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers. “Luka Legend” is arguably the NBA’s deadliest scorer while “The Claw” is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner. Leonard sat out Game 1 but was cleared for Games 2 and 3.

On Friday night, the two superstars crossed paths again, this time in Dallas. Midway through the second quarter, Leonard found himself switched on to Doncic who executed his patented step-back jumper. The LA Clippers called a timeout after the Slovenian made the basket.

Fans from both camps went on Instagram to react to Luka Doncic doing the “too small” gesture on Kawhi Leonard after hitting the shot:

“Luka make Kawhi look like a kid. He is indeed too small”

Fans react to Luka Doncic's "too small" celebration after scoring against Kawhi Leonard.

One fan pointed out Kawhi Leonard’s disadvantage:

“Kawhi injury’s really messing him up mentally”

Another had a good laugh after Luka Doncic’s move:

“kawhi shoe was comin off lmaooo”

Finally, a third fan is urging Doncic to tone it down:

“Humble urself bud Kawhi is not the one to mess with 2 rings 2 finals MVP meanwhile U don’t know what it feels to be in da finals”

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Luka Doncic got himself going in the second quarter after a somewhat slow start to open the game. The Dallas Mavericks scored just 18 points in the first 12 minutes before unleashing 36 in the next quarter. Doncic carved up the Clippers’ defense with both his passing and scoring.

Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard is unsurprisingly out of rhythm. He has attempted just six shots and has largely been deferring to James Harden or Paul George on offense. On defense, he is a little too slow which Doncic has been trying to take advantage of.

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The LA Clippers aren’t solely relying on Kawhi Leonard to contain Luka Doncic

The LA Clippers know stopping Luka Doncic is quite impossible as he can hurt defenses in multiple ways. What Ty Lue has done is aggressively send double teams when it seems like the Slovenian is ready to attack. He isn’t putting the onus on Kawhi Leonard or whoever is Doncic’s primary defender to stop the Dallas Mavericks franchise cornerstone.

LA’s defensive plan has worked quite well as Doncic has struggled. “Luka Legend” has 22 points but took 24 shots to get that tally. The Mavs, however, are pulling away for a win behind balanced contributions from the supporting cast.

The Clippers will live with the result of their defensive scheme. They would rather have somebody else beat them than allow Doncic to run amok. Lue will be hoping Leonard’s health and rhythm improve during the series. Otherwise, it will be a tall order for the Clippers to beat the Dallas Mavericks in their series.