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

Why Kristaps Porzingis is key for Dallas Mavericks to top Clippers: 1. Getting to the bucket

Porzingis cannot just rely on his jumper against the Clippers. The Mavs need 25-plus a night from him. That means he must get inside and get some easy buckets.

Multiple ones will be available. This play underscores how KP can get some easy buckets.

All five Clippers are watching the ball when Luka Doncic receives the pass. Nobody is paying any attention to Porzingis or Tim Hardaway Jr. at the top of the key. The Unicorn smartly cuts inside for an easy dunk.

Fans saw Luka shred the Bucks outstanding defense with plays just this in the bubble. If KP cuts, Doncic will find him. That could become a key for Dallas if the Clippers attempt to take the ball out of Luka’s hands.

The good news for the Dallas Mavericks is Kristaps Porzingis played his best basketball of the season during the restart. It earned him a spot on the All-Seeding Games Second Team. KP needs to carry that production over to the playoffs if the Mavs are going to pull the upset.

It is going to be a blast, so do not miss a second of the action. Check back to The Smoking Cuban for analysis and news on the Mavericks during the playoffs and beyond.