The Los Angeles Clippers are hitting their stride just in time, and the Dallas Mavericks are about to feel the heat. Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland are back in action after Leonard's brief hiatus due to an ankle sprain and Garland's toe troubles.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of getting his squad healthy as they gear up for the final 12 games of the regular season. "It feels good just getting everybody healthy," Lue shared.
"We’re trying to get back on track, start getting our defense and offense down. We’ve got to catch a rhythm, get on the same page."
The Clippers had been riding high at two games over .500 before hitting a rough patch with four consecutive losses. Their recent defeat in New Orleans came without Leonard, Garland, and Bennedict Mathurin, the team's top scorers. With Leonard and Garland back, Lue has more options at his disposal.
“Staggering Kawhi and Darius is good for us,” Lue explained. “It’s easier to manage their minutes and keep them fresh throughout the game. Tonight will be one of those nights we can look forward to doing it.”
Mathurin remains sidelined, though he’s been working on his shooting. However, he won’t be suiting up tonight.
Cooper Flagg vs. Kawhi Leonard: A Matchup to Watch
Saturday night’s game promises a thrilling showdown between Leonard and the Mavericks’ versatile wing, Cooper Flagg. Leonard is putting up impressive numbers, averaging 28.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. His two-way impact is well-known, and Flagg will be tasked with matching up against him.
“Kawhi is one of the best on both ends of the floor,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd noted. “It’s a great test for Coop.”
Flagg has been turning heads, averaging 16.8 points in his last 10 games, including a standout 35-point performance the last time these teams met. While Flagg will take on Leonard, it’ll be a team effort to contain the Clippers’ star.
Mavericks’ Defensive Focus
The Mavericks have been grappling with defensive issues, particularly with their switching. Kidd and assistant coach Christie have been vocal about the need for improvement.
“We’ve got to be better protecting the paint,” Kidd emphasized. “Too many guys are getting behind our switching, leading to easy scores.”
Christie echoed the sentiment, highlighting the need for physicality and effort on defense. “Our defense has been pretty poor recently,” Christie admitted.
“We focused on our physicality and effort in the film session. That’s where it starts.”
The Clippers are shooting 48.3% from the field this season, with Garland hitting 2.5 threes per game over his last 10. Dallas needs to guard the perimeter while keeping an eye on Leonard.
Offensive Flow and Ball Security
Dallas struggled with turnovers in their last game against Atlanta, committing 18. The Clippers thrive on turnovers, averaging 11.1 steals per game recently. Ryan Nembhard’s flawless 12-assist, zero-turnover game offers a blueprint for success.
“Offensively, we worked on spacing and finding ways to touch the paint more,” Christie explained. “It’s about generating more threes and having better flow.”
The Mavericks’ small-ball lineup, with P.J. Washington at center, has been effective. Christie praised Washington’s shooting ability for stretching defenses.
“P.J. has been phenomenal in that lineup,” Christie said. “His shooting opens up the floor for easy baskets.”
Klay Thompson, now coming off the bench, provides a crucial spacing threat. Kidd appreciates Thompson’s adaptability and his continued shooting prowess.
“When we asked him to come off the bench, his game spoke for itself,” Kidd said. “He’s shooting extremely well and having fun on the floor.”
Injury Report
For Dallas, Caleb Martin, Brandon Williams, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II are out. G League two-way players Moussa Cissé, John Poulakidas, and Tyler Smith are questionable.
Los Angeles will miss Bradley Beal, Bennedict Mathurin, and Yanic Konan Niederhäuser, but Leonard and Garland are ready to go.
Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center.