The Los Angeles Clippers enjoyed a hearty win in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs, where they completely dominated the Dallas Mavericks in the absence of superstar forward Kawhi Leonard. As the Clippers welcomed back Leonard in Game 2, it was widely expected that the series would lose suspense, but the Clippers lost the game in Game 2 with a mediocre performance, and Leonard, who returned to the line, missed too many games in the second half of the regular season and couldn't find the game at all.
Due to the loss in Game 1, the Mavericks changed their defensive strategy and targeted the opponents who performed well in Game 1, and as a result, these Clippers won Game 1 under control in Game 2, and the Mavericks also won this game with stubborn defense. Most of the Clippers' players were out of style in this game, and here are the most blamed people after the Game 2 loss.
Paul George
George's performance in Game 1 wasn't great either, but it was enough to secure the Clippers' advantage. George was considered a great scorer in the league, but that was far from the case in Game 2, and while he was still able to score 22 points, he had little impact or aggression for the game.
As a star player in the NBA, he only took 14 shots against a tough opponent, which is really a difficult situation for the team to accept, and he should try at least 20 shots, especially when All-Star teammate Leonard is still finding his rhythm. George was also lackluster in other aspects of the game, with just two rebounds and four assists. George will need to play a bigger role in Game 3 while also having to control his foul issues as he was whistled for five fouls in Game 2.
James Harden
Harden was the Clippers' best player in Game 1, contributing 28 points and eight assists, not only scoring as well, but also being able to send clever passes to his teammates to help them score easily. But that changed in the second game, when his score dropped to 22 points and he was much less efficient.
The 2-of-10 three-pointers in Game 2 must be corrected immediately, as the Mavericks' perimeter defense at home could be better. With Leonard's situation still uncertain, expectations have raised for Harden's contribution in this series, so as a shot creator and on-court commander, he has to be more of a threat. The three-pointer in the fourth quarter of this game is not Harden's normal level, so a rejuvenated Harden must show up this Saturday or the Clippers series will be in jeopardy.
Taryn Lue
Coach Lu was an excellent coach in the first game, and the defensive strategy of Doncic was successful throughout the game, making the latter's performance worse and worse, and his mood became more and more frustrated. But that was far from the case in Game 2, and not only was the offensive plan difficult to unfold, but the defensive plan against Doncic and Irving was completely different from Game 1, which was a bit introductory, as the Clippers had absolutely no reason to change their defensive strategy. Coach Lu is a championship coach, so he has to come up with a new offensive and defensive strategy in Game 3.