On April 22, 2024, Beijing time, the NBA playoffs will be contested, in the game between the Mavericks and the Clippers, the Mavericks were suppressed by the Clippers from the beginning of the game, and only scored 8 points in the second quarter, and finally gave them a 97-109 loss, with a big score of 0:1 behind.
In this game, the Clippers lacked Leonard, but Harden stepped up to help the team win, and Harden scored 28 points, 8 assists and 2 blocks in the whole game, and George and Zubac also played well. Although Doncic scored 33 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists for the Mavericks, and Irving also scored 31 points, it was not enough to help the team win.
For the Mavericks, Doncic's problems on the defensive end are indeed uncomfortable for the team, although Doncic can lead the team on the offensive end, but the defense is basically passed by the opponent, and the defensive end is not too good motivation, which is more fatal for the team that has been in the playoffs. So if Doncic can't improve his efficiency on the defensive end, then the Mavericks will have a hard time getting a chance to go far in the playoffs.
The Clippers are still able to take the initiative in this series, and the result of the first game will also make Leonard more reassuring to recuperate, and when Leonard returns, it will be more difficult for the Mavericks to win on their opponents.