Dallas Mavericks: 5 takeaways from Game 1 loss to LA Clippers

Dallas Mavericks takeaway from loss to Clippers: 3. Starting Maxi, benching Curry

Ivica Zubac destroyed the Mavs in the seeding matchup between the two teams from Orlando. That prompted a lineup change in game one. Coach Carlisle decided to start Maxi Kleber in place of Seth Curry. It gave them more size to deal with Zubac but kept a floor spacer out there. The change allows Dallas to continue switching on defense too.

Fans could question if it worked. The Mavericks were down by 11 points when Kleber went to the bench with 7:17 remaining in the first quarter. The 28-year-old had a forgettable game. He finished with three points, six rebounds, one assist, and three turnovers in 34 minutes of action. Kleber was just one of five from the field on Monday night.

Seth Curry played well off the bench. He produced 14 points, three rebounds, and two steals in 33 minutes of action. Curry connected on five of 11 from the field and four of his eight 3-point tries.

One of the keys to winning the series is rebounding. The Clippers have dominated Dallas on the glass this season. Fans can read all five keys here.

The Mavericks had the advantage 23 to 21 when Kristaps Porzingis was ejected. They were up by five points too. Dallas lost the rebounding battle on the night including giving up 11 offensive boards.

Expect the Mavericks to stay with a bigger starting unit. It gives them a chance to clean up the glass on both ends of the floor. Winning the battle on the boards could be the difference moving forward.

Next: No. 2