Mavericks: Did Clippers figure out Luka Doncic in second half of Game 1?

The Dallas Mavericks won Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the LA Clippers 113-103 on May 22. Superstar Luka Doncic was the catalyst and produced a 31-point triple-double. The role players stepped up as it took a total team effort to defeat the Clippers. Dallas raced out to an early lead, but LA continued to fight back. Ultimately, a late run by the Mavs sealed the win and the early advantage in the series.

Luka had 21 points, four rebounds, and six assists in the first half. He was unstoppable. The Mavericks superstar hunted switches, hit threes, dictated the pace, and got to the rim. Doncic had it all rolling as he lifted Dallas into prime position to pull the upset at the Staples Center.

The Clippers slowed him down in the second half, including holding him to just one fourth-quarter point. The role players stepped up and sealed the game, but should the Mavs be worried that LA figured out how to stop Luka?

Did the LA Clippers figure out how to stop Mavericks star Luka Doncic late in Game 1?

After nailing his first two shots in the second half, Luka was one of eight from the field to close the game. He had five second-half assists, but the Clippers had plenty of success slowing down the 22-year-old superstar.

Let us take a closer look at what the LA Clippers did before pivoting to how that will impact the series and Mavericks star Luka Doncic’s success going forward.

Next: How did they slow Luka?