LA Clippers: A longer road to the NBA Finals not in the plans

The LA Clippers want to end this series as fast as possible on the way to the NBA Finals, but they seem to have forgotten to enjoy the experience.

Challenges are that. They build character. Luka Doncic is one of the greatest players in the NBA  and he is causing major problems for the LA Clippers.

Doncic has figured this team out and it will keep getting worse. In the next game, he will exploit the fact that the Clippers are going to play their game again.

Luka Doncic needs more effective defensive attention and the Clippers need a talented defender on him at all times. In Game 1, he had 42 points in a loss. Game 2 he had 28 points in a win. Now by Game 4, he has figured out how to have his cake and eat it too.

A cool 43 points and the win this time? Doncic is now a basketball wiz. You have to tip your hat to him. The game-winning three was another notch to his legacy. He will be great and it’s happening before our eyes.

The Clippers have been rough on him but you can tell they respect his game. The LA Clippers really can lose this series. Dallas has been that elite.

Game 4 was without Kristaps Porzingis, who has been an X-factor in the series. On the Clippers’ side, Paul George has been nonexistent and the Mavs are taking advantage of it.

George hasn’t been out of the first round for four straight years. He has struggled to overcome injuries, between his shoulder and devastating leg injury. Being healthy has been difficult. His body is falling into a pit that resembles the one from Mortal Kombat.

It’s time to stay focused on the goal at hand. Paul George has to play well in order for this team to be able to win. However, this is the Western Conference. It’s hard and Kawhi Leonard by himself is not enough.

George exemplified that statement after the game:

”If I make shots this series could be a little different,” George said. ”That’s what it comes down to.”

Leonard’s Toronto Raptors running mate in an NBA championship run a year ago was Pascal Siakam. His play is like George’s. A tall, lanky body that is hard to guard and very creative. Siakam balls out. George does too. A PG-13 movie is the coolest date to take your girlfriend on. It is not too vulgar and not too cheesy. George is PG-13. A cool human highlight film.

George has to remember who he is. An older millennials brother’s favorite player. Kids age 20-23 love Paul George. Being cool is what made him what he is and now he will have to channel that.

The Mavericks, while inexperienced, are having fun. That’s what the Clippers have forgotten. The pressure of making it to the NBA Finals has gotten to them. Dallas is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Soon, the Clippers will have even bigger challenges. They need to learn fast.

The Mavericks are like the Mighty Ducks. They are establishing themselves. Youth has encouraged them. Toughness is becoming learned game by game.

Paul George had to give it up to the upstart Mavericks:

"“They’re playing well, they’re defending, they’re shooting the ball, Luka is playing phenomenal…You gotta give credit where credit is due.”"

George is still trying to fight it but the Mavericks are legit. He will have to let go of his pride to get the monkey off his back.

Doncic is leading the best offense in NBA history at the age of 21. The Clippers have refused to send him to the line. On the other side of the ball, we are learning that the Mavericks can hold their own. They have been able to play defense and it is hurting the Clips. Los Angeles has to take off the suit and tie and go out there and ball.