Dallas Mavericks: Patrick Beverley out for Game 3: Who guards Luka Doncic?

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will go off in Game 3 with Patrick Beverley out

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the LA Clippers in game two to even their first round playoff series. They never trailed in the upset. Luka Doncic and the Mavs have outplayed LA with Kristaps Porzingis on the floor. The absence of Patrick Beverley was another massive change in game two.

Beverley is dealing with a calf injury. He missed five seeding games because of it. Pat Bev played in game one of the playoff series but was limited to 20 minutes. His primary role was checking Luka Doncic. The Mavericks superstar had 42 points with 11 turnovers in game one. LA forced 12 Mavs turnovers in Beverley’s 20 minutes. Dallas had nine total in game two.

Patrick Beverley’s injury was not a one-game issue. He was ruled out for game three before tipoff. Taking a look at what that means for Luka and the Mavericks on Aug 21.

Patrick Beverley out: Why Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is about to go off in Game 3

Doncic has been incredible in his first two NBA playoff games. The 21-year-old scored 70 points in 66 minutes so far. The Clippers defense switches everything. Luka has been taking advantage by creating and exploiting the matchup he wants.

Without Beverley, the Clippers will need more minutes in the backcourt from Reggie Jackson, Lou Williams, and Landry Shamet. None of those three players can go one-on-one with Luka as Beverley can. That gives the Mavs superstar another matchup to take advantage of in game three.

Dallas Mavericks fans should expect another monster performance from Luka Doncic. It could be his first playoff triple-double. He will keep the fouls and turnovers in check too. The Clippers could use Kawhi Leonard on him more. Can he stop playoff Luka? He has not done it yet.

It promises to be another exciting game, so do not miss a second of the action on Friday night. The Smoking Cuban will be back with everything Mavericks supporters desire on the series including updates on Patrick Beverley’s injury, so stay tuned.