The 2024 NBA playoffs are underway and with it we have some great matchups in the first round featuring various contenders along with young teams looking to make their mark. Several series have been impacted heavily by injury which could have a major impact as the playoffs progresses. The West in particular has the most compelling matchups in the first round but there is one matchup that I think stands out the most especially due to their recent history.
Luka Doncic's third matchup with the Clippers is even more interesting than the last couple times they've faced over the years. This year, Luka had the best season of his career as the league's leading scorer and an MVP finalist for the first time in his career. He also has the best running mate he has ever had in his young NBA career in Kyrie Irving who has become part of a formidable duo. The Mavericks are a premiere western conference threat but are up against a familiar opponent with major playoff expectations. The Clippers have come up short several years in the postseason but boasts one of the deepest teams in the NBA with championship expectations. Pressure is on both individual players as well as the organization to win as the team is an extremely talented that has had overall healthy season despite Kawhi's recent absence. Back to back first first round losses could be disastrous for a team that has not their expectations in the Leonard-George era.
In Game 1, the Clippers were able to get the win impressively without Kawhi Leonard but his uncertainty for the remainder of the series will have an impact on the rest of the series. The Mavericks got excellent performances from Doncic and Irving who combined for 64 points but only 33 points by the rest of the team. The Mavericks will obviously need more offense outside their star but the question will be who will step up For the Clippers, James Harden was the star of Game 1 dropping 28 points and dishing out 8 assists leading the way for the Clippers. If Kawhi does not return for Game 2 they will need James Harden to continue to play at a high level thought he has been known to be an inconsistent playoff performer.
For Game 2, it will be interesting to see what adjustments the Mavericks make but regardless of the result I expect a long drawn out series. What makes this series so intriguing is what questions we will have for either team depending on how the series goes. If the Clippers win, especially without Kawhi should they be favorites to make it out the West? If they lose, will it put an end to the George-Leonard era for the Clippers as he could opt out of his player option. If the Mavericks win, can they make a return trip to the Conference Finals for the second time in three years? If they lose, what moves will the Mavericks need to make to put a better supporting cast around Luka Doncic and will he grow impatient? This series will reveal a lot about both teams and I expect it to be one of the most entertaining series of the first round.
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