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

Dallas Mavericks need to get an early lead to finish off the Clippers in Game 6

The Mavs are 30-1 this season when leading after the first quarter of play. LA gave them their lone loss in Game 3 of this series. Dallas has won the opening period in all three of their wins and scored 33-plus points in each. A fast start is important for the Mavericks for multiple reasons.

First, they have dominated the minutes with Luka Doncic on the floor but struggled mightily when he rests. Dallas has outscored LA by 24 points during his 196 minutes so far in the series, but been outscored by 38 in his 44 minutes on the bench. Coach Rick Carlisle will likely play his star the entire first quarter before resting him to start the second. The Mavericks need to be ahead when Doncic heads to the bench.

The Clippers suffered an epic collapse inside the bubble losing the final three games to the Denver Nuggets to blow a 3-1 series in the Western Conference Semifinals. Dallas needs to make LA doubt themselves early with their backs against the wall. Getting an early lead would be massive for the Mavericks as they look to eliminate the Clippers.

Expect a fast start from the Dallas Mavericks in front of a rocking home crowd for Game 6. Getting some stops and grabbing an early lead will be massive if they plan on finishing off the series on Friday night.

Next: No. 3