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

2. Dud - Dante Exum

Heading into the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Dante Exum was looking like he'd be a huge X-factor. His clutch gene, ability to be a third ball handler, and defense made him an indispensable piece on the team for most of the season.

He had runs as both a starter and off the bench at different points of the season, but his first playoff game as a Maverick was not great. Exum finished with three points in 16 minutes along with two rebounds. He also wasn't particularly great on defense, and he didn't leave his mark on the game as he usually does.

Considering the Mavs don't have another trusted ball handler outside of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, they needed Exum to step up in that way. He looked unconfident with the ball, and he wasn't able to be a secondary playmaker or create his own offense. Playing too timidly has sometimes hindered Exum's game, and it definitely did tonight.

Exum didn't have an awful game by any means, but it wasn't up to the standards that the Mavs need from him in the playoffs.

Exum making an impact in Game 2 will be important, as Dallas' role players will have to step up to take some of the burden off Doncic and Irving. He can leave his mark on the game without putting up big stats, but he has to be more confident and make more of an impact on defense.