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4 Things the Mavericks Need to Change in Game 2 Against the Clippers

Mavs Moneyball

9 hours ago

The Dallas Mavericks earned a hard-fought 96-93 Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday to level their first-round series. The Mavs were led by Luka Doncic, who finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. Kawhi Leonard returned to the Clippers' lineup after missing Game 1 with a knee injury, but he was held to just 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting. The Mavericks took advantage of Leonard's absence in Game 1, scoring 122 points in a 122-114 win. With Leonard back in the lineup, the Clippers' defense was much improved, but the Mavs were still able to find ways to score. One of the biggest differences in Game 2 was the play of the Mavericks' bench. In Game 1, the Mavericks' bench was outscored by the Clippers' bench by 20 points. In Game 2, the Mavericks' bench outscored the Clippers' bench by 10 points. Dwight Powell led the way for the Mavericks' bench, scoring 12 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Jalen Brunson also chipped in with 11 points off the bench. The Mavericks also got a big boost from their new center, Christian Wood. Wood, who was acquired from the Houston Rockets in a trade deadline deal, scored 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in his Mavericks debut. Wood's presence gives the Mavericks a much-needed presence in the paint, and he should be a key factor in the series going forward.

Here are four things the Mavericks need to change in Game 2 to take a 2-0 lead:

• Get more production from their bench. The Mavericks' bench was a major factor in their Game 1 win, but they need to be even better in Game 2. Dwight Powell, Jalen Brunson, and Christian Wood all need to step up and provide more scoring and rebounding.
• Take care of the basketball. The Mavericks committed 15 turnovers in Game 1, which led to 18 points for the Clippers. They need to be more careful with the ball in Game 2 and limit their turnovers.
• Play better defense on Kawhi Leonard. Leonard is one of the best players in the NBA, and he can be a handful for any team. The Mavericks need to do a better job of containing him in Game 2. They need to limit his touches, and they need to make him work for every shot.
• Close out the game strong. The Mavericks had a 10-point lead with less than four minutes remaining in Game 1, but they almost let it slip away. They need to be more focused and determined to close out the game in Game 2.

The Mavericks have a chance to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series against the Clippers on Thursday night. If they can make these four changes, they will be in a good position to do so.