Luka Doncic and the Mavericks have seen two playoff runs end at the hands of the Clippers in 2020 and 2021 as Doncic was carrying the roster alone. Ahead of their 2024 playoff matchup, Luka was asked about the biggest difference on the team since their loss in 2021, with the Slovenian guard giving an obvious answer.
"We have [Kyrie Irving]. The whole team is different. ... We're playing great together, but the Clippers have an amazing team. They have unbelievable talent, so every game is going to be really tough."
Kyrie Irving's presence on the Mavericks might be the biggest game-changer for the franchise. Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season and was among the most efficient scorers in the NBA. His presence would alter the preparations the Clippers have ingrained from the earlier series wins against the Mavs, as Luka did not have any teammate even close to the caliber of Kyrie.
In the same way that Dallas can claim Kyrie as a difference-maker in this series, the Clippers can talk about James Harden. Harden averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists this season, becoming the final solution to the Clippers' point guard hunt this season.
Neither Team Looks The Same
Over the last three years, both teams have gone through a lot of upheaval. The Clippers missed the Playoffs in 2022 while the Mavericks missed it last season, with both outcomes causing mass changes on the rosters of both teams.
As compared to the 2021 Playoffs series, the only players still on the Mavericks are Luka, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, and Josh Green. The roles of the non-Luka players have evolved significantly, with THJ, Powell, and Maxi being crucial pieces in 2021 but have become lower-end role-players now. Green was a rookie in 2021 and didn't play that series, though he should get minutes in this one.
The Clippers don't have the rotating cast of forwards they tasked with making Doncic's life miserable in the earlier series, as Robert Covington, Nicolas Batum, and Marcus Morris Sr. were all traded away to bring James Harden to the Clippers. Their forward depth is lackluster, but Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are still two of the best wings in the NBA.
The Clippers will also be encouraged by Russell Westbrook on their bench, as Westbrook could be a force for change on the court given his tempo and motor. Some analysts already believe Westbrook could find himself becoming a starter in this series just to help the Clippers match up with Dallas' backcourt.
Doncic finally has a squad next to him with talented players on the roster beyond Kyrie. Not many expected Dallas to succeed at the start of the season, but how they ended it has filled fans, players, and executives with hope that this could finally be the year where they lift the Clippers curse off Doncic's shoulders.
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