The Dallas Mavericks seem to have more trouble dealing with the Los Angeles Clippers when the latter’s best player is sidelined. Just take for example the Mavs’ Game 4 116-111 loss to the Clips at home on Sunday despite Los Angeles missing the services of Kawhi Leonard.
Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving Speaks Up About Losing to the Kawhi-Less Clippers — Again
Following Dallas’ latest loss to the Clippers, Irving, who exploded for 40 points in Game 4, pointed out the harsh Mavericks trend in the playoffs against a Kawhi-less attack.
Via Law Murray of The Athletic:
Kyrie laughs a bit, mentions that this is second time Kawhi Leonard has been out and Mavs were hit with “a barrage of James Harden and Paul George”
It can be recalled that back in Game 1, the Clippers also played without Leonard, but still defeated the Mavericks in LA, 109-97, with Paul George and James Harden leading the pack. George had 22 points in the series opener, while Harden put up 28 points and dished out eight assists. Also stepping up in that contest was Ivica Zubac, who produced 20 points and 15 boards.
In Game 4, George and Harden had 33 points each. Even with Leonard injured, the Mavs know that the Clippers are always going to be a huge threat, especially if both George and Harden are healthy. Those are two future Hall of Famers, and that’s not to mention the presence of Russell Westbrook, who has a diminished role on the Clippers but can still deliver the goods when asked to carry more load.
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