Dallas Mavericks: Dorian Finney-Smith is ready for the Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up to face the LA Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. It is a rematch of their bubble series where Kawhi Leonard dominated on the way to his team advancing in six games. The Mavs will be looking for revenge in 2021 in what profiles to be one of the best series of the opening round.

There are plenty of questions and storylines to break down heading into the series. The on-court matchups are fascinating, but it cannot be overlooked that the Clippers lost their final two regular-season games to set up a duel with Dallas. The Mavericks are using that as motivation heading into the series.

Dorian Finney-Smith went on the Jim Rome Show on May 20 to discuss a host to topics. The Clippers’ recent losing streak was among them.

Dorian Finney-Smith and the Dallas Mavericks are ready for the Clippers

The interview closed with Jim Rome mentioning the Clippers losing their final two games to the Rockets and Thunder, and Finney-Smith had this to say about their playoff foe.

"“Either they were trying to get us, or they were ducking somebody else. Or they might be resting we don’t know.”"

He followed up with this.

"“If they tanked those two games to play us, you know it is what it is. We want this matchup just as much as they want it.”"

The Mavericks are searching for revenge. It profiles to be one of the best series of the first round because of the physical nature of last year’s meeting.

Doe-Doe had this to say after being asked what goes into being a standout on the defensive end of the floor.

"“I would say a lot of it is mindset. There is a lot of athletic guys in the NBA that just don’t want to do it. There are a bunch of athletic guys that you would think that can play defense, but they don’t have the mindset to do it. You have to have that want to mixed up with a little bit of skill. I am fortunate enough to be able to move my feet against little guards and tall enough to guard fours and small five men.”"

There is no question that Finney-Smith continues to improve on the defensive end. He is tasked with guarding the opposition’s top scorer nearly every night and will be a key piece for the Mavs in the playoffs.

Rome asked Finney-Smith for the key to stopping Kawhi and PG-13. See the Mavs forward’s response below.

"“They two different players. You just have to make it tough for them. PG is going to shoot more threes than Kawhi. Kawhi just likes to get to his spots in the mid-range and rise up over you. It is going to be a tough challenge, but I think we are ready.”"

It will be no easy task stopping the LA Clippers’ two superstars. Expect Doe-Doe to draw the assignment on one of the two whenever he is on the floor. The Mavericks forward slowing down Kawhi could be the difference in the series.

Finney-Smith also answered about going undrafted, his jumper, and so much more. The interview is a must-listen for all Mavs fans, so be sure to check it out.

The Smoking Cuban will have everything fans crave during the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Do not miss a second of the action in what should be a wild series between the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers.