Dallas Mavericks: 5 keys to victory in LA Clippers series

Dallas Mavericks key to victory over LA Clippers: 4. Limiting PG-13

Paul George gave himself the nickname “Playoff P”, but he was far from it inside the bubble. The seven-time All-Star shot 35.8 percent from the field in the Mavericks series. He was better in the second round against the Nuggets but disappeared late when the Clippers needed him most.

PG-13 had two games where he shot over 45 percent from the field and scored 25 or more points in the Dallas series. The Clippers won both including a 43-point blowout in Game 5. Kawhi is going to get his, so LA becomes difficult to defeat when both stars are rolling. The Mavericks will have to limit George if they want to pull an upset.

They had success doing it this season too. George averaged 19.3 points in the three meetings, but on just 37.3 percent shooting. The Mavericks have done well at making life difficult for George. Here he drives against Luka Doncic, but the Mavs superstar does not give an inch.

If Maxi Kleber is healthy, expect Dallas to use him to guard George and Leonard in the series. Without him, the responsibility will fall to Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Richardson, and Luka Doncic. The Mavs must make every shot tough and limit Paul George if they are going to pull the upset.

Next: No. 3