What to expect from LA Clippers, Dallas Mavericks Game 1
By Dalton Sell
2. Little regression from Luka Doncic
For a second-year player heading into his first NBA playoff game, one might think they would be nervous, especially going up against such a top-heavy team as the LA Clippers. Luka Doncic, however, is excited, believing he has been in this type of scenario before. Transcribed by USA Today:
"“Yes, it is the playoffs, but I have been in the playoffs before, just in Europe,” said the 21-year-old Doncic, who was still a teenager when he led Real Madrid to the EuroLeague title and was basically considered the best player in that league two years ago. “It is not the same level, but it is the same emotions. I am excited for sure.”"
LA knows they will have their hands full with the 21-year-old, who continues to impress on a nightly basis. Finishing out the regular season with averages of 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, Doncic has torched the league this season, even the LA Clippers, despite having a variety in top-tier defenders such as Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Patrick Beverley.
In three games against the Clippers this season, Doncic averaged 29.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game, not succumbing to their dominant defense. Doncic has shown that he can pick apart this defense no matter whom they throw at him individually, but it will be interesting to see what LA’s game plan is to slow down the 21-year-old phenomenon.