Mavericks’ Climbing Efforts Fall Short in Game 4 Loss to Clippers
The Dallas Mavericks experienced a heartbreaking defeat in Game 4 against the LA Clippers, resulting in a tied series at 2-2. Despite a remarkable comeback from a 31-point deficit to take a one-point lead with just over two minutes remaining, the Mavericks were unable to secure the win. This loss serves as a reminder that simply reaching the summit is not enough; one must finish the climb.
This game bore striking similarities to Game 1, where the Mavericks struggled offensively without Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. Both games saw the Mavericks fall behind early, creating an insurmountable deficit. In Game 1, Dallas never came close to closing the gap, but this time, victory seemed within reach.
Some believe that the outcome could have been different if Maxi Kleber had not been on the court as the center in the final moments of the game. Kleber, known for his floor-spacing abilities, lacks the interior physicality of other centers on the team. However, lineups featuring Kleber and P.J. Washington without traditional centers have been successful in the regular season and during this series. In fact, these lineups have boasted a significant point differential of plus-43.6 per 100 possessions in the playoffs.
James Harden played a pivotal role in halting Dallas’ comeback efforts. He capitalized on floaters, a shot he has historically been reluctant to take. Throughout the fourth quarter, Dallas tempted Harden into these midrange shots, and he delivered with six successful floaters. While there may be debate about the level of contest on these shots, it is clear that they were not all easy.
Dallas coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the challenge of defending Harden, stating that allowing him to take contested two-pointers was preferable to giving up his signature stepback three-pointer. However, these defensive tactics did not work, as Harden consistently made these shots.
It is worth considering whether Kleber’s presence on the court truly cost Dallas the game. While it is impossible to know how other centers like Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II would have performed in that situation, it is evident that Harden did not miss his opportunities. Ultimately, Dallas lost due to a combination of lineup decisions and an inability to contain Harden’s scoring.
A more significant coaching decision to examine is Kidd’s choice to overplay Harden’s three-point attempts. In the final moments of the game, the Mavericks left driving lanes open for Harden, hoping to entice him into challenging help defenders. This strategy backfired as Harden consistently found ways to score, ultimately sealing Dallas’ defeat.
However, it is essential to recognize that Dallas had already dug themselves into a deep hole with their 31-point deficit. This deficit influenced subsequent decisions and ultimately impacted the outcome of the game. Additionally, star player Luka Dončić’s performance has been subpar throughout the series. While he has battled through knee discomfort, his shooting percentages have fallen far below his regular-season standards.
Dončić’s struggles have revealed the Mavericks’ heavy reliance on his scoring and playmaking abilities. The team’s trade-deadline acquisitions of Washington and Gafford emphasized defense and physicality, but this came at the cost of shooting and spacing. Without Dončić performing at his best, the Mavericks have struggled to overcome these deficiencies.
Despite these challenges, there is no single factor responsible for Dallas’ failures in this series. Both coaching decisions and individual player performances have contributed to their struggles. However, with the series tied at 2-2, there is still an opportunity for the Mavericks to turn things around. The focus now should be on securing two more wins, regardless of the specific strategies employed. The time for action is now, and Dallas must seize the moment.