Why did the Mavericks struggle early in Game 1 against the Clippers?

The Dallas Morning News Mavericks beat writers Mike Curtis and Brad Townsend recently participated in a Reddit AMA to discuss the first-round playoff series with the Los Angeles Clippers and more. Here are some highlights from their insightful conversation:

One fan raised concerns about the Mavericks’ slow and lethargic starts in games, particularly in Game 1 of the series. Brad Townsend acknowledged that this is not part of Coach Kidd’s plan and emphasized the importance of hitting first in the league. He noted that while Kidd may appear calm on the sidelines, his coaching style reflects the fire he had as a player. Mike Curtis added that slow starts can happen unexpectedly, especially after a long break and travel for a early tip-off.

When asked about the impact of the midseason whistle change on playoff inefficiencies, Brad mentioned that the Mavericks quickly adapted between Games 1 and 2, taking advantage of the new physicality landscape. This adaptability was surprising given their lackluster performance in Game 1.

In terms of other playoff series that intrigue them, Brad highlighted the Nuggets-Lakers and Knicks-Sixers matchups, while Mike pointed out the Suns-Wolves and Knicks-76ers series as ones to watch.

The AMA also touched on the importance of a healthy Daniel Gafford to the Mavericks’ playoff run, the significance of players like Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard in the series, and Doncic’s defensive capabilities during the playoffs.

Overall, the AMA provided valuable insights into the Mavericks’ playoff journey and offered fans a deeper understanding of the team’s strategies and challenges.