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And just like that, this seven-game series has become a three-game series. After going down 0-2, the Clippers won two straight games in Dallas to even the series. Now, it’s all about who can win two of three. Luckily for the Clippers, two of the potential final three games will be at Staples Center.
Game Information
When: Wednesday, June 2 at 7 p.m. PT
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
How to watch/listen: TNT, Bally Sports SoCal
Opposing perspective: Mavs Moneyball
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: Patrick Beverley, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris Sr., Ivica Zubac
Mavericks: Luka Doncic, Josh Richardson, Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber
Injuries/Absences
Clippers: Serge Ibaka (lower back) — OUT
Mavericks: JJ Redick (heel) — OUT
This series is weird. I just don’t get it. After four games, the away team has come away with the victory in all four. I don’t know how to look it up, but I feel like that’s gotta be very uncommon.
Editor’s note: Sabreena looked it up, and this is the sixth time it’s happened since 1984, according to Basketball Reference.
Every since midway through the first quarter in Game 3, the Clippers have been dominant. They’ve outscored the Mavericks by 54 points since they were trailing by 19 in that game. Truly remarkable considering the Clippers had barely lead through the first two games. Dallas hung around during the third game, but the fourth was all Clippers.
It only took until the fourth game, but the Mavericks finally came back down to earth in regards to their three-point shooting. Through the first three games they were shooting at a historic rate, and I kept saying that eventually they’ll have to cool off. Well, they did... and look what happened. Dallas was 5-for-30 from deep. That’s 16 percent. The first three games they were shooting better than 50 percent. When the three-ball isn’t falling for Dallas, they are more than beatable.
The Clippers took full advantage of that.
Even though Dallas couldn’t hit a three, the Clippers were simply too good on both sides of the ball. They held the Mavericks to 81 points and held Luka Doncic to only 19 points. If you’re holding one of the best players in the game to under 20, you’ll win almost every time.
I know I talked about the Clippers being outplayed in those first two games, but there is a reality in which this series could have been a four-game sweep for the Clippers. They had chances to win in the first two games, but just couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities. They at the very minimum could have split the two, and would be looking at winning the series tonight.
Still, it’s an even series, and there’s a lot still to be played. With that being said, the Clippers have all the momentum right now as they return home. With a win tonight, LA will be only one win away from reaching the second round.