Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis is the key to defeating the LA Clippers

Why Kristaps Porzingis is key for Dallas Mavericks to top Clippers: 5. Rebounding

The Clippers have dominated Dallas on the glass in the three meetings this season. They have a 26 rebound advantage including 17 more on the offensive boards. That is an issue for the Mavericks when fans consider they are the fourth-best rebounding team in the NBA this season. The Mavs are not used to losing the battle on the boards.

Coach Rick Carlisle has some difficult decisions to make. Maxi Kleber has been dominated on the glass by Ivica Zubac, Montrezl Harrell, and JaMychal Green. Is Carlisle going to use Kleber as the backup five, or will Boban Marjanovic play more minutes in that role? Either way, Dallas figures to struggle on the boards when Porzingis heads to the bench.

That means when the Unicorn is on the floor, the Mavs need to take care of business. The Clippers have done well at forcing KP to contest shots. That leaves their big man free on the backside for easy offensive rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith needs to do a better job boxing out in those scenarios.

Kristaps Porzingis must step up too. He averaged 9.5 rebounds per game this season. Dallas needs him in double-digits if they are going to top the Clippers. KP also must keep LA from grabbing offensive rebounds in the series. The Mavericks improving their rebounding could be massive against the Clippers.

Next: No. 4