Dallas Mavericks: 5 things we learned in playoff preview versus Clippers

Thing we learned in Dallas Mavericks loss to Clippers: 3. LAC defends Doncic well

Not many teams in the NBA can say they slow down Luka Doncic. He literally averages over 20 points per game against every team expect the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat this season. He only played Philly once. Doncic left one of the two meetings against the Heat less than two minutes into the game with an ankle injury and never returned.

Only two teams in the Western Conference slow him down. They are the Denver Nuggets and the LA Clippers. Luka struggles in Denver. The Clippers have multiple players that can defend him one-on-one. There may only be five players in the league that can do that, and LA has three of them.

The Clippers like to mix it up between Leonard, George, and Beverley when all three are healthy. Kawhi stopped Luka late as the Clippers grabbed the victory on Thursday. The entire game they did well at keeping Doncic off the free throw line.

The stat line may not show it. Luka finished with 29 points, three rebounds, and six assists in 35 minutes of action. He was ten of 21 from the field and six of 13 on his 3-pointers. The Clippers kept him out of the paint and off the line, though. Mavericks fans know when Doncic gets inside the offense opens up. Luka needs to do better in the playoffs.

Next: No. 2