3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' concerning loss to Clippers in Game 1

3. Stud - Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is someone who Dallas Mavericks fans couldn't wait to watch in the playoffs and he didn't disappoint in his first Mavs playoff game. Irving finished with 31 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals while shooting 10-18 from the field and 3-6 from downtown. He started this game slowly, but he started to take over the game in the second half.

Irving scored 20 points in the third quarter and he was getting to his spots with ease. He was in the zone to start this second half as he was knocking down shots off the dribble and finishing around the bucket. The Clippers had no answer for Irving, but his dominance happened too late in the game.

He and Luka Doncic were playing much better together in the second half than in the first half, and everyone else around this star duo has to play better to help Dallas bounce back and win Game 2. Everyone was missing wide-open looks, and Doncic and Irving were having to carry way too much of the load.

"Playoff Kyrie" is a real thing and the way he finished this game is an encouraging sign heading into tomorrow's game. Irving has to be assertive from the start on Tuesday, and last night's game was a great start to hopefully a long playoff run for him.