Clippers were not convincing against us, but have a better overall record. They are one of the teams that can throw most bodies at Luka but it didn't really bother him in the past. It was always about the ability of the rest of the team and I hope they can deliver. Although I have my doubts about the ability of guys like Brunson, DFS and Maxi to deliver against top playoff defense. Healthy Maxi is absolutely needed for us in this series, I am affraid. But it definitely can't be used as an excuse if Mavs lose - if your team depends on one of the role players it is not a good team. I hope Mavs will roll out with Luka-JRich-DFS-Maxi-KP with Brunson, THJ and Powell (or WCS) as rotation guys. Maxi and DFS will be key defenders against Kawhi and George, Luka will be hidden on Morris. KP will be crucial on defense - if he doesn't show a better version than in the last three games, I am affraid this series will be short. Offensively Mavs will try to create mismatches for Luka, either by puting Zubac/Ibaka or Beverly on him. Although Zubac played great defense against him last year. KP will have to take advantage of his height advantage against one of the wings they put on him, either directly by shooting over him or in offensive rebounds situations.
I also don't think Clippers are better than last year, but they have a huge chip on their shoulders and will certainly want to prove a lot to the world. Although they are obviously calculating a lot before the playoffs losing on purpose. Not really a sign of a very confident team. Harrel and Lou are gone, but they were bad last playoffs, so it is not really a loss for them. Their biggest weakness is lack of PG. George is not it, Beverly mainly plays offball, Jackson is a defensive liability and I am not really impressed by Rondo. At center they have Ibaka who has mostly turned into a three point specialist Kleber style late in his career and excellent rim runner Zubac. Cousins scares me more than the other two.
Mavs live and die by the three, so let's hope they will be able to convert. Especially open looks defense will allow when doubling Luka. Personally, I expect Mavs to put a competitive effort and prevail in 7. I would be dissapointed by first round exit, no matter how achieved. Not because I think Clippers are a worse team but because it means Mavs are far away with limited options to bridge the gap.
I also don't think Clippers are better than last year, but they have a huge chip on their shoulders and will certainly want to prove a lot to the world. Although they are obviously calculating a lot before the playoffs losing on purpose. Not really a sign of a very confident team. Harrel and Lou are gone, but they were bad last playoffs, so it is not really a loss for them. Their biggest weakness is lack of PG. George is not it, Beverly mainly plays offball, Jackson is a defensive liability and I am not really impressed by Rondo. At center they have Ibaka who has mostly turned into a three point specialist Kleber style late in his career and excellent rim runner Zubac. Cousins scares me more than the other two.
Mavs live and die by the three, so let's hope they will be able to convert. Especially open looks defense will allow when doubling Luka. Personally, I expect Mavs to put a competitive effort and prevail in 7. I would be dissapointed by first round exit, no matter how achieved. Not because I think Clippers are a worse team but because it means Mavs are far away with limited options to bridge the gap.