Dallas Mavericks fall to Clippers in game one of second round in sim

The Dallas Mavericks dropped game one of their second round series to the LA Clippers in the Strat-O-Matic simulation on May 4. Find out more here.

The Dallas Mavericks were ramping up for the playoffs when the regular season was suspended on March 11. Coach Rick Carlisle had them ready to compete with any team.

Games have been halted for nearly two months, and there is no end in sight. The NBA is waiting to see how the novel coronavirus pandemic plays out. Until then, we all just have to wait it out.

Strat-O-Matic has taken matters into their hands. They are simulating the playoffs as we speak. The Dallas Mavericks were the seventh-seed but upset the Denver Nuggets in the first round. It took them seven games. The Mavs are facing the LA Clippers in the Western Conference Semifinals. Game one took place on Monday. Let us take a look.

Clippers take lead

The Mavericks led by two at halftime. They had the chance to grab home court in the series, but the Clippers came back strong in the third. Dallas scored just 21 points. The Clippers never relinquished that advantage. They picked up the 116-106 win to open the series.

Luka Doncic finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 30 minutes of action. He shot just seven of 19 from the field, though. Tim Hardaway Jr. was the Mavericks leading scorer for the second straight game. He dropped 25. Kristaps Porzingis struggled with eight points, eight rebounds, and six turnovers.

Paul George and Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers. George was named the Player of the game after scoring 28 points.

Game two is scheduled for Wednesday in Los Angeles. The series shifts back to Dallas for games three and four starting on Sunday. The Clippers have been a bad matchup for the Mavericks this season. It will be interesting to see how the series plays out.