Clippers Advance to Second Round Despite Poor Shooting Night
Kawhi Leonard's Absence Impacts Clippers' Offense
The Los Angeles Clippers secured their spot in the second round of the NBA playoffs with a Game 7 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. However, their performance was far from convincing, as they struggled to find their rhythm offensively. The Clippers' poor shooting night, particularly from beyond the arc, raised concerns about their ability to advance deep into the playoffs.
Missed Opportunities from Deep
The Clippers' shooting woes were evident throughout the game. They converted just 22% of their three-point attempts, hitting only 8 of 30 shots from deep. This dismal performance from downtown significantly hindered their offensive production and allowed the Mavericks to stay in the game.
The Clippers' struggles were particularly notable in the first half, where they made only 2 of 15 three-point attempts. Their inability to connect from long range gave the Mavericks an early advantage and set the tone for a close and hard-fought contest.
Leonard's Absence Adds to Offensive Challenges
The absence of Kawhi Leonard, who missed Game 7 with a knee injury, undoubtedly played a role in the Clippers' offensive struggles. Leonard is the team's leading scorer and a key facilitator, and his presence on the court would have provided the Clippers with much-needed firepower.
Without Leonard, the Clippers relied heavily on Paul George and Lou Williams for offensive production. While both players had their moments, they were unable to consistently carry the scoring load. The Mavericks' defense also did an excellent job of limiting George's impact, holding him to 13 points on 4-of-16 shooting.
Second Round Challenges Loom
Despite their struggles in Game 7, the Clippers have advanced to the second round of the playoffs. However, their poor shooting night and Leonard's absence raise questions about their ability to compete with the NBA's elite teams.
If the Clippers want to make a deep run into the playoffs, they will need to improve their shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. They also need to find ways to compensate for Leonard's absence, whether through increased production from other players or a more balanced offensive approach.
The Clippers will face a tough challenge in the second round, where they are likely to face either the Denver Nuggets or the Utah Jazz. Both teams are known for their strong defense and offensive firepower, so the Clippers will need to make significant improvements if they want to continue their playoff run.
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