NBA Playoffs must-follow storylines: LA Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks

Kawhi Leonard vs Luka Doncic

Two top-10 players going at each other in a seven-game series will be a must-see matchup. Both are one of the best offensive players in the league, but the main difference is, one plays much better defense.

When Doncic is defended by Leonard, in 22 possessions, he put up 7 points, 5 steals, and a turnover on 3-6 shooting. But when Leonard is defended by Doncic, in only 13 possessions, he puts up 17 points, 3 assists, 5-7 from the field, 3-3 from deep, and 4-4 from the line.

That’s a big difference considering Leonard is guarded by him in a limited sample, yet still has put up elite numbers on elite efficiency.

Regardless of how they play when they are matched up together, it is difficult to decide who will have a better series. They both have played well in their regular-season matchup.

In the three games, Leonard has averaged 31.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists on 55.6 percent true shooting. Doncic has averaged 29.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 5.0 turnovers on 56.6 percent true shooting. You could make a case that Doncic has played better statistically.

However, there is a reason why Doncic puts up these kinds of numbers. He is the league-leader in offensive load, per BBall-Index, at 65.4 percent. It’s not surprising he’s almost averaging a triple-double, so it won’t be surprising if he has a better series than Leonard.

But you can still expect them trading buckets and going toe-to-toe whenever the game is close.