Dallas Mavericks: 5 adjustments to expect in Game 4 vs. Clippers

Adjustment to expect in Game 4 of Dallas Mavericks vs. Clippers: 5. Defense

It took a supernova shooting night for the Mavericks to win Game 2. Simply put, their defense has not been good enough in the last two games. The Clippers have scored 121 and 118 points on a combined 55.3 percent shooting from the field. Dallas has to be better if they want to win Game 4.

The Mavericks perfected a simple defensive strategy in the first two games. Limit the role players early and double-team Kawhi Leonard late. It worked. The Clippers had just three players in double figures in Game 2.

That number rose to four with both Leonard and Paul George absolutely going off on Friday night in Dallas. The Clippers hit 20 of 28 shots in the restricted area in Game 3. Kristaps Porzingis needs to protect the rim. Yes, LA is going to go small and try to force him out of the paint. The Mavericks must find a way to close off the rim and force difficult shots in Game 4.

Do not surprised to see coach Rick Carlisle change up the defensive scheme a bit on Sunday night. The Mavs are going to keep rolling with Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith, and Maxi Kleber for the majority of the minutes. Those five must find a way to slow down the Clippers to get back in the win column.

Next: No. 4