For Clippers, George and defense are keys for Game 5

By Dylan Schreibman

 

After the viral game-winning shot by Luka Doncic in Game 4 to even the series, the Mavericks and Clippers are set to tip off in a crucial Game 5 tonight at 6 PM PT on TNT. For the favored Clippers, tonight’s contest is a critical test for regaining momentum. Here is everything you need to know before the ball is tossed.

 

First, the Clippers need to tighten up as a team defensively. Keep in mind, this will continue to be a challenge against one of the most efficient offenses in NBA history. However, Dallas’ efficient offense did not deter Clippers coach Doc Rivers from stating his teams need to improve defensively in his postgame conference. These quotes were found on CBS Sports. 

 

“We’re supposed to be an elite defensive team,” Rivers said. “Right now we’re not.” 

 

Additionally, he called his defense “very passive” and his team “very emotionally weak” currently. This came after Los Angeles was heavily criticized for allowing Doncic to catch the ball at the end of the game with Kawhi Leonard not guarding him on the game-winning shot.

 

“We switched and allowed their best player to catch the ball, you know, with three seconds left.” Rivers said. 

 

Defense will be a key improval for the remainder of the series because Los Angeles does not want to attempt to run with the powerhouse offense of Dallas. During the regular season, the Clippers finished 13th allowing opponents to score 109.9 points per game. This according to ESPN.  More specifically, the Clippers allowed 110.1 PPG during the seeding games. This proved their defense stayed consistent during the regular season despite the NBA restart. However, the Clippers’ numbers have inflated allowing 123.5 PPG to the Mavericks in the series. This includes Dallas scoring over 120 points in three of the first four games. With this, Dallas has increased their historic 115.9 points per 100 possessions to 117.1 points against the Clippers. This according to NBA.com.

 

To regain momentum, the Clippers must change tempo in an attempt to slow down Doncic and the Mavericks. This will have to be led by two-time NBA Defensive player of the year Kawhi Leonard, Patrick Beverly and Paul George. Beverly and George have been named to the NBA’s First All-Defensive Team with previous organizations in previous years. 

 

Speaking of Paul George, he must increase his presence offensively in Game 5. During the regular season, George averaged 21.5 points per game alongside 5.7 rebounds through nearly 30 minutes. The Clippers forward has dropped his points per game average during the series over 6 points per game (15.3 PPG) in nearly 8 more minutes played. More specifically, George has scored under 15 points in Games 2-4 including a nine point performance on 3-14 shooting in Game 4. The Clippers need their superstar to play the way he did at the end of the regular season when he scored at least 21 points in all six seeding games he played. For a player scheduled to make over $30 million this season he must turn momentum around. 

 

Entering Game 5, seventh-seeded Dallas has all buzz and momentum. Keep in mind, the Clippers held a 21-point lead in Game 4 and also came back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter. One shot missed or a held lead, this series could have a different headline. However, Los Angeles will have to regain momentum to win two of three games. If not, they will face their fourth consecutive first-round exit in a span of five years. 

 

Follow Dylan Schreibman on Instagram @dylanschreibman!

 

Sources:

https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/teams/Los-Angeles-Clippers/12/Playoff-History

https://www.nba.com/history/awards/defensive-team

https://www.nba.com/history/awards/defensive-player-of-the-year

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/why-luka-doncic-and-the-mavericks-are-the-clippers-worst-playoff-nightmare/

https://www.espn.com/nba/team/stats/_/name/lac