Clippers vs. Mavericks: Game 2 Highlights & Odds
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
In a thrilling encounter at the Crypto.com Arena, it was James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers who captured the spotlight, not the city’s famed Lakers. Harden’s remarkable performance fueled the Clippers to a Game One victory over the Dallas Mavericks, who didn’t bring their best game. All eyes, however, were on Kawhi Leonard whose participation in Game 2 was uncertain until a positive update emerged following his appearance at the team’s shootaround.
Leonard indeed suited up and contributed 35 minutes on the court. Though not at his best, scoring 15 points with a 7-of-17 shooting performance and missing all five three-point attempts, his presence was felt. Meanwhile, the Mavericks bounced back with a vengeance, securing a vital win to even the series before heading back to Dallas. Luka Dončić was the driving force for Dallas, logging an intense 46 minutes and finishing with a plus-eight in the plus/minus column.
Despite Kyrie Irving playing 42 minutes and maintaining a neutral impact on the game, it was Dončić who made the difference. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd made significant adjustments, which paid dividends for Dallas.
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The defensive strategies employed by the Clippers against Dončić also came under scrutiny. Dončić managed to get off 14 three-point shots due to the Clippers’ drop coverage; he made five. This generous defensive leeway might be untenable for the Clippers moving forward. Leonard may need to take on a more significant defensive role against Dončić to pivot the series in the Clippers’ favor.
With the series now tied, the betting odds are leaning slightly in favor of the Mavericks at -140, considering their home court advantage now. The Clippers are close behind at +110, reflecting the competitive nature of this series. As the teams head to Dallas, the anticipation for Game 3 continues to build, promising another intense showdown in this tightly contested playoff series.
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