The LA Clippers are looking to go up 2-0 and get this series over quick, especially since Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks put up a solid fight in Game 1.

HOME TEAM: #2 LA Clippers (1-0)

The Clippers took the hard-fought first game 118-110. It was a game of spurts where they fortunately had the last say. Speaking of luck, though, the Clipps caught a break when Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis was controversially handed a second technical foul early in the third quarter and thrown out. The ejection may have altered the game as Porzingis was playing a huge role – and is the team’s second-best player.

Nevertheless, the Clippers’ superstar tandem did enough too, with Kawhi Leonard having an all-around stat line of 29 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and three steals, and Paul George scoring 27 more. Forward Marcus Morris, meanwhile, was effective on both ends as he chipped in 19 points and also collected four steals.

It should be interesting to see how they’ll respond for Game 2. The Clipps are an undoubtedly elite team and we should see them be more aggressive in trying to put the Mavs away.

Leonard and George are sure to continue guiding the team; the question is who the third scorer would be – Morris is hot-and-cold, while Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams are still trying to get in full rhythm.

The Clippers 118 points in Game 1 was up to par with their bubble average of 117.6 PPG.

ROAD TEAM: #7 Dallas Mavericks (0-1)

Game 1 featured the Mavericks flexing their muscles to show that they belong in the playoffs. They recovered from a dreadful start, overcoming an 18-2 deficit to lead by 14 midway into the second quarter. The Porzingis ejection really hurt their chances big time, though.

As always, Luka Doncic was Mr. Everything, punching in 42 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and three steals on an efficient 61.9% shooting. Sadly, “everything” also included the number of errors as Doncic had a career-worst 11 turnovers. The rest of the Mavs team had 10, and the Clipps had 11.

The Slovenian star should be able to light up the scoreboard once again, and he’ll get his share of boards and dimes, but obviously, the ball-handling has to be better. Though it’s unlikely that he’ll have the same amount of turnovers, the stingy Clippers defense is in his head.

But, of course, the adjustment is also needed in the supporting cast. Tim Hardaway Jr. (18 pts) and Seth Curry (14 pts) were decent but the Mavs need more.

The Mavs may also need to avoid settling for too many outside shots. They took 43 three-pointers in Game 1 despite Clippers big men Ivica Zubac (22 mins) and Montrezl Harrell (15 mins) having limited action.

The Mavs’ 110 points in Game 1 was over 12 points short of their bubble average of 122.5 PPG.

PREDICTIONS:

I expect to see a more poised Kawhi and PG, and subsequently, Clippers team. They may have just been shocked by the Mavs’ resilience in Game 1, so Game 2 will feature a more cutthroat approach, especially if they’re able to jump to an early big lead again.

Luka will get his numbers, but the Clipps will make this two-zip, 123-115.