LOS ANGELES (AP) – In a stunning playoff series opener, James Harden made an impressive debut for the Clippers, scoring 28 points and showcasing his pick-and-roll chemistry with big man Ivica Zubac. The future Hall of Famer, in his first season in Los Angeles, was able to school the longest-tenured Clipper, ultimately leading the team to a 109-97 victory over Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.
Harden’s performance was hailed by his teammate Paul George, who stated, “Just a perfect game for a big.” The Clippers coach, Tyronn Lue, called the game’s first play for Zubac, solidifying the center’s impact on the court.
The Clippers dominated the game, with five players scoring in double figures, even without their star player Kawhi Leonard, who has been out of action due to knee inflammation since March 31. The team’s ability to perform well without Leonard showcases their depth and experience in high-stakes playoff battles. Russell Westbrook contributed 13 points, and fellow reserve guard Norman Powell played 30 minutes, emphasizing the team’s strength and depth.
Despite a valiant effort from Doncic, who led the Mavericks with 33 points and 13 rebounds, the team struggled to find support from their other players. Kyrie Irving commented on the uphill battle they faced, stating, “I don’t even know if we are favorites in this series and so we just have to pay attention to what we can control.”
Looking ahead, the Clippers have a chance to solidify their dominance in Game 2 on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. While their victory in the series opener is encouraging, the Mavericks are determined to make adjustments and even the odds. Coach Jason Kidd praised his team’s second-half performance and hopes they can build on it.
As the playoffs progress, it becomes clear that the Clippers’ pick-and-roll chemistry between Harden and Zubac will be a factor to watch. Their ability to punish opponents in
