Mavericks: 5 things that must happen to finish the upset of the Clippers

Dallas Mavericks must make the Clippers pay for going small to win Game 6

The Clippers are going to go small in Game 6, and Dallas must again make them pay for that decision. They did it in Game 5. The Mavs started Boban Marjanovic and kept LA from relentlessly attacking the paint. It was the zone defense coupled with their energy that made life difficult for the Clippers.

Coach Tyronn Lue played Ivica Zubac 20 minutes in Game 5, and the Clippers were outscored by 19 points during that stretch, including the deciding third quarter run where Dallas scored the final 16 points of the period. Zubac is unlikely to get that much run on June 4. Expect LA to go small as they attempt to create mismatches all over the court.

The Clippers won the rebounding battle by two and had two more points in the paint in Game 5. Dallas can win with those numbers. They are two key stats on Friday night. LA will be looking to dominate each category, but the Mavericks winning is an ingredient in the recipe of Dallas advancing to the second round.

The Dallas Mavericks will attempt to force Ivica Zubac into the game as they make the Clippers pay for going small. They did it in Game 5, and need a repeat on June 4 if they want to grab the series-clinching win.

Next: No. 4