About last night... Game 1 v Clippers

 Last night the Dallas Mavericks lost to the LA Clippers in Game 1, falling 118-110. Kawhi and PG scored like they did against the Mavs back in the seeding games. Kawhi scored a team high 29 and looked unstoppable from midrange, PG added 27 but didn't look that impressive overall. Luka carried the load for the Mavericks as he scored a playoff debut record 42 points. (This also ties his career high) Though disheartening to not win the game there were a lot of positives that can be taken away. 

The Mavericks had a nightmare start to the game. It was filled with turnovers and hot shooting by the Clippers, as the Mavericks went down 10-0. Eventually the Clippers held a 16 point lead, Luka was out getting his ankle taped up, and shots weren't falling. Hope was dwindling. Then THJ, KP and Seth started hitting their shots. Luka returned. The Mavs led by 4 after one, then went on an insanely fun and impressive 48-18 run in the second. Eventually the Clippers responded cutting the Mavs lead 3 by halftime. Things were looking up even though we were only up three points, Kawhi, Beverly and PG were in foul trouble going into the third quarter. This is when the madness ensues. The refs decided to change the outcome of the game by giving Porzingis his second technical foul of the night, resulting in his ejection. Marcus Morris grabbed hold of Luka, Luka didn't like it and Marcus Morris got into Lukas face. KP rushed over separated the two, causing everyone to huddle up. He was apparently the "agitator". Ridiculous, not right. Should have never happened. 

Look at that agitation done by KP...

After the ejection the Clippers went on a run and although the Mavericks had plenty of chances to win it, could not get over the hump. Thanks Lane Fitzgerald. Loser. 

Even Marcus Morris had this to say, "I didn't think it was enough to get technical fouls. I wish Porzingis played...It's the playoffs man." 

Carlisle, Doc Rivers, Dirk and the rest of the NBA world was also outraged. The funny thing is that this kind of thing has happened to the Mavs all year, but nobody has really taken notice besides MFFL's. This was primetime and so egregious, the NBA should be put on notice. That was unacceptable and robbed the Mavericks of a game 1 win. 

Let's get into the game. 

The starters 

The Mavericks went with Doncic, THJ, DFS, Maxi & KP as their starting unit. Seth Curry would lead the bench unit instead of starting (good decision) To succeed with this unit, though, Maxi and DFS need to at least pose some sort of offensive threat. After having such a strong back half to the seeding games, I was disappointed most in Finney-Smith. He went 1-5 from deep, all mostly wide open. Although he played well defensively, his offense really struggled. He, like the rest of the team last night, made some DUMB turnovers. He needs to improve game 2 for the Mavs to have a chance. Maxi looked like it was his first playoff game ever (which it was). The moment looked too big from him from the start, turning the ball over in a matter of seconds. Although he came around late, he only scored 3 points all night. That's unacceptable play for a key role player at this point. I am not concerned with either of these guys bouncing back in game two. The experience was much needed. 

The Greatness of Luka Doncic

Haters will point out his turnovers (second to James harden for most in a playoff game), but people who watched saw that a majority came early on. He will definitely need to clean up his passing in game two, especially with the new looks the Clippers are going to throw at him. The Clippers play defense by collapsing on the PnR, smothering the roll man. It's up to Carlisle to get Luka some easy looks next game and its up to the rest of the team to take advantages of the open shots they're going to get against this long defense. SHEESH though... 42 points. 7 boards. 9 assists. What a monster. Unstoppable. Oh, but he never played Mizzou. 

Dallas had 13 turnovers in the first half, which is more than they averaged for a whole game (12.7) all year. They finished with 21 for the game. FAR too many. I'll chalk this up to inexperience and an aggressive defense, but to stand a chance going forward Dallas will have to clean up the ball handling.

The Mavericks have proven that they can beat this team, and hang with anyone in the league. I am very excited to see Game 2 with KP back. 

Some quick notes: 

Delon Wright looks to be phased out of the rotation. Surprising, but Burke has played much better. 

Two of the last possessions of the mavs featured hero ball from THJ turning into a turnover, and a quick 3 in transition by Seth. Both were maddening and horrible decisions that basically ended the chances at winning.