WHO: Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Clippers
WHAT: Game 1 of their first round playoff matchup
WHERE: Staples Center, Los Angeles
WHEN: 9:30 p.m. CST
HOW: NBAtv or Bally Sports Southwest
THE STORY: Dallas faces a Los Angeles Clippers team that should be desperate. “Should be” being the operative phrase there. Considering they’re rolling with the same starters means they have confidence in their initial game plan that didn’t work Saturday.
As of this writing, we can assume the same five starters will be on the floor for Dallas as well.
What happens tonight is going to be absolutely fascinating, as this series could be a tactical masterclass, at least from Rick Carlisle. I mean, look at this from Saturday:
One of the Mavs core ATO plays 'Delay Chicago Flare'. Often run for Porzingis, they now run it for DFS and THJ. I've not seen them run it in pistol alignment before, but it's a great way to get an easy perimeter shot and an example of how Carlisle blends his O together. Sound on! pic.twitter.com/uq0lwGvP2F
— Joe (@JoeHulbertNBA) May 23, 2021
Perhaps Kawhi Leonard will actually guard Luka Doncic? Maybe (probably?) the Clippers will hit their three pointers? Kristaps Porzingis could find a way to impact the game in ways beyond scoring. There’s lots of variety at play. I just hope Rajon Rondo doesn’t hit all the threes again.
Go Mavs. Have fun.