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With the Dallas Mavericks most likely being the Clippers’ opponent in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Thursday was sure a great preview of what the matchup can be. After battling it out through three quarters, the Clippers pulled away in the fourth and defeated Dallas, 126-111. The Clippers have played the Mavericks three teams this season and defeated them all three times.
Ivica Zubac had yet another great game, and it was arguably his best as a Clipper. He finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds and a block, while going 10-for-10 from the field. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George combined foe 53 points while knocking down 6-of-12 from deep. Another notable performance came from Marcus Morris Sr., who dropped 16 points, going 5-of-7 from the field including knocking down two from deep.
When playing Dallas, the No. 1 priority is limiting Luka Doncic, and for the most part the Clippers have done a really good job at that this season. He had a solid game for Dallas, scoring 29 with six assists and three rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis actually led all scorers with 30, to go along with his nine rebounds and five assists. Aside from those two, the Mavericks didn’t get much action anywhere else. They didn’t have a single player aside from those two score more than 12 points.
The key to success for the Clippers when in the bubble is their ability to knock down three’s and limit the turnovers. They were able to succeed at both those on Thursday. As a team, LAC knocked down 14 from deep and committed only six turnovers.
Up next
Set those alarms, Clippers fans. The next game is this Saturday at 10 a.m. PT against the Portland Trail Blazers. You can catch the action on Fox Sports Prime Ticket and TNT.
News and notes
- Patrick Beverley didn’t play, and still can be out for a couple games according to Doc Rivers.
- According to Chris Haynes, Montrezl Harrell’s grandmother will be laid to rest on Saturday. He will then join the team in Orlando shortly after. If all goes according to that plan, it looks as if Harrell will be ready to go for the playoffs.