Clippers Dominate Mavs In Game 1 Without Kawhi

Kyrie Irivng attempts to probe the Clippers lengthy defense. Photo by Akinty Carter @ Tangent Zine

The Los Angeles Clippers strong start in game 1 was key in their 109-97 win against the Dallas Mavericks on a sold out Crypto.com arena.

Clippers All Star Kawhi Leonard missed his ninth straight game with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee and his status for game 2 is still uncertain.

James Harden tries to clear himself from the Mavs defense. Photo by Akinty Carter @ Tangent Zine

While Kawhi went MIA, the Clippers gave an all-out collective effort. James Harden led the Clippers charge and showed shades of his MVP form by scoring 28 points and 8 assists. Center Ivica Zubac was huge and was an irritant in the paint. The big man from Croatia had a double-double, 20 points and 15 rebounds in 33 minutes of play.

Dallas Mavericks superstar duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 64 points, but the rest of the Mavs went AWOL. The length of the Clippers perimeter defense was clearly bothersome as they clamp down the entire Mavs and have them throwing bricks, missing 39 of their 80 field goal attempts and only making 10 out of 33 from three-point range.

Good offense from Luka, but better defense from Terance Mann. Photo by Akinty Carter @ Tangent Zine

Luka Doncic in game 1 action with Russel Westbrook defending. Photo by Akinty Carter @ Tangent Zine

Game 2 of the Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers Western Conference first round series resumes Tuesday, April 23 at Crypto Arena in Los Angeles.

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