Mavs 113, Clippers 103

[Kammrath]

Just finished a rewatch of the game (thinking more clearly, without the adrenaline). 

The Mavs are still in trouble. They got close to ideal performances from DFS and THJ on both ends of the court. Luka was Luka, and he might be able to play that well in most games of the series, but that might be the high water mark for THJ and DFS. You can argue that Brunson has another level to reach, and obviously we can hope for more out of Porzingis (maybe they figured some stuff out late that will help), but this was a GREAT performance by the Mavs...and the game was in question until very late. 

On the flip side, basically only Leonard played well for the Clippers, and he could actually play quite a bit better. If, for example, the Clippers get the 2nd half Paul George for the entire game, this is a Mavs loss. If they get ANYTHING from Jackson, Morris or Beverley, this is a Mavs loss. 

I'm happy for the win, but still not feeling great about this.

I will not feel good about this series until the Mavs win a game where they shoot about the same percent on 3s as LAC. 

DAL shot 47.2%....LAC 27.5%. 

This LAC team is one of the best three point shooting teams in NBA HISTORY, so I need the Mavs to win a game when LAC is at least at their season average of 40+% to feel good. 

Do I like the Mavs winning game one? HELL YES, it puts psychological pressure on the Clips. But the Mavs need to show me another gear or two before I switch my pick of LAC in 6.