LA Clippers: Kawhi Leonard’s energy is necessary in the NBA playoffs

Kawhi Leonard’s energy was able to carry the LA Clippers through Game 1 against the Dallas Mavericks. More will be needed for the rest of the NBA.

In chess when you make mistakes you lose. The LA Clippers were able to win the complicated chess game in Game 1 that is the Clippers and Dallas Mavericks’ first-round series of the NBA playoffs, thanks largely to Kawhi Leonard.

It was said that the Mavericks would need Kristaps Prozingis to step up for the Mavericks to win this series. His new-found physicality was surprising. Unfortunately, he was ejected in the third. If he was not the Mavericks perhaps win the Game 1 matchup.

According to Mirjam Swanson of the OC Register, Marcus Morris Sr. said about the Porzingis ejection:

"“I didn’t think it was enough to get technical fouls, I wish Porziņģis played — it’s the playoffs man.”"

The Mavericks still had Luka Doncic who had 42 points but it was not enough. In his first game, Doncic solidified himself as a top-five player in the NBA. It was the Clippers veteran experience that helped get the team through this game.

Kawhi Leonard was the main character in bringing the energy that was necessary to win the game. The Porzingis situation was a big mistake by the Mavericks that may have damaged their chance to do win the series. A player like Kawhi Leonard who has experience winning in the playoffs will always take full advantage of that.

Here’s what Leonard said after the game about Luka Doncic:

"“He’s great, He’s very poised. He’s very trusted on that team. He can get to his spots, find his teammates, gets them easy baskets. He makes tough baskets well. He’s a great player.”"

Leonard had 29 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals in the game. It was a complete dominance in every aspect of the game. He was Luka Doncic for the Clippers.

The third quarter was when the Clippers were able to start putting their mark on the game. Things were getting physical, Porzingis got ejected and a team was looking to take momentum into the fourth. Leonard was active on the boards and was able to control the pace of the game.

In total, the Clippers scored 21 points to the Mavericks 13. When the fourth came around Leonard had the ball in his hands and made the decisions necessary to win the game. On a big Marcus Morris Sr. three in clutch time Leonard was the passer.

Here’s what Paul George said about Leonard’s play:

"“Kawhi, there’s a reason he’s been who he is in this league. He’s an unbelievable leader. He picked us up on occasions.”"

On defense Leonard forced turnovers and that against the Mavericks is rare with a point guard like Doncic. Leonard’s three steals and 12 rebounds helped the Clippers take chances away from the Mavericks that would have helped swing things in their favor.

In the game, Leonard was a plus 18 which is a nod to his high basketball IQ in game one. The Mavericks have one of the best players in NBA history in Luka Doncic let’s face it but Kawhi Leonard is a historically great defender and he made his mark on the game that helped the Clippers take the win in their first game of the NBA playoffs.

Leonard is on the deepest team in the league and they flexed their muscles by getting Morris involved in the game. Morris had 19 points and three made threes. Morris also shot 61.5 percent from the field and 50 percent from three.

The ability to affect the game on offense and defense is Leonard’s greatest ability. In the playoffs, every point given up is back-breaking and when you let Leonard get 29 points along with playing great defense you most likely won’t win.

Leonard added a new wrinkle to his game in which he was able to create offense for other people. He was already efficient and was an ultimate scorer but now he is figuring out how to get others involved. This will be the way Leonard will get his third ring by adding playmaking to his game.

Leonard has been able to develop his game and reinvent himself which bodes well for the Clippers. The LA Clippers were the more experienced team and they were able to adjust quickly to how the game changed.

Porzingis going out changed the complexity of the game and the LA Clippers were able to take advantage. The next game will take the same theme in which the team that is able to adjust to what the game calls for will win in the NBA playoffs.