As the NBA playoffs loom, the Dallas Mavericks wrapped up their initial practice session on Tuesday, setting the stage for a riveting first-round battle against the Los Angeles Clippers. This matchup revives memories of their playoff encounters in 2020 and 2021, both dominated by the Clippers.
However, times have changed. The Mavericks have evolved significantly, largely due to Luka Doncic‘s growth in skill and leadership. Doncic, who has previously devastated the Clippers in the playoffs, continues to be a pivotal force for Dallas.
In the 2021 playoffs, he impressively averaged 35.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game, following a robust 2020 performance with 31 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game.
With Tyronn Lue at the helm, the Clippers are expected to employ various defensive strategies against Doncic, including double teams and starting Ivica Zubac on him. The Mavericks anticipate these tactics and feel prepared, reflecting on their defensive encounters throughout the season.
“We’ve seen a lot of different things on the defensive end this year, double teams, starting with Zubac on Luka – so his creativity is high, and we’re prepared for that,” Kidd said.
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Despite the Clippers securing two of their three regular-season games against the Mavericks, the teams have not clashed since the holiday season, rendering past games less indicative of future outcomes. Recent trades, including P.J. Washington‘s and Daniel Gafford‘s acquisitions, have further reshaped the Mavericks’ roster, introducing fresh dynamics.
Familiarity remains a crucial element, as both teams are well-versed in each other’s strategies, given they faced off against each other in multiple playoff series.
“Both teams know what each other is going to run,” Kidd said. “Luka was pretty good in those series. It was just a matter of swings. That’s what happens in the playoffs. Whoever swings last seems to win. And the Clippers were able to swing last in both of those series.”
Kidd emphasized the unpredictable nature of the playoffs, in which the last team to make a strategic move often emerges victorious.
The Mavericks also await clarity on the status of rookie center Dereck Lively II, who participated in Tuesday’s practice after recovering from a knee sprain. Lively’s presence could bolster the Mavericks’ lineup, which has seen significant improvement with Gafford starting as center.
“He participated in practice,” Kidd said. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow. He did everything.”
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In preparation for Game 1 on Sunday, the Mavericks reviewed game footage extensively and balanced on-court practice with strategic discussions.
“There’s a lot of film,” Kidd said. “Players, sometimes, get antsy watching film. But I thought the guys did a great job today of being patient and understanding what part of the season we’re at with the playoffs and understanding the details of what we’re asking them to do.
“There’s a combination of being able to watch film, talk about the details and then being able to get on the floor and get up and down. I thought the guys did a great job today and we’ll see how Thursday goes.”
Coach Kidd highlighted the importance of maintaining physicality and detail-oriented play against a highly skilled Clippers team led by Ty Lue, one of the NBA’s top coaches.
“Physicality, paying attention to the details,” Kidd said. “We’re playing a really good team in the Clippers, they have four future hall of famers. They’re well-coached, T-Lue is one of the best coaches in the league.”
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With the playoffs drawing near, the Mavericks are poised to challenge the Clippers, armed with a top-rated defense and a more robust team than in previous years.
