James Harden used pick-and-roll plays to establish a solid rapport with big man Ivica Zubac during the season. The veteran player is coaching the team’s longest-serving Clipper in his first season with the Los Angeles Clippers. In the opening game of their playoff series, their efforts were rewarded.
In his Clippers playoff debut, Harden scored 28 points, and Zubac recorded a career-high 20 points and 15 rebounds. On Sunday, the Clippers defeated Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks 109-97 thanks in part to this.
Along with Paul George, Harden is vying for his first NBA title. “It was a great game for a big man,” Harden said. Game 2 will take place at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night.
“We’re up against some Hall of Famers,” Kyrie Irving of Dallas said. It’s unclear whether we’re regarded as favorites in this series, so we should concentrate on the things under our control.
Zubac was selected for the game’s first play by coach Tyronn Lue, which helped the Clippers get out to a fast start.
The six-season team member Zubac stated, “My goal on the court is to dominate in the post.” “I want to give my all for this team.”
Harden had eight assists and made six of his eleven 3-pointers. George rebounded from a slower first half to score 22 points. In the 3-point game, the Clippers outclassed the Mavericks, making 18 of 36 long-range attempts to Dallas’ 10 of 33.
When Zu performs at that level, “we’re a formidable team,” George said.
Although Kawhi Leonard hasn’t played since March 31 due to knee soreness, the Clippers still had five players with double-figure scoring. Due to an injury, Leonard, the two-time MVP of the NBA Finals, hasn’t played since.
In addition to playing thirty minutes, reserve guard Norman Powell scored thirteen points. When Kawhi is ready, we want him back,” George remarked. “But our experience with players like James, myself, Russ, and Norman—all of whom have fought in big playoff games—is our advantage.”
The Clippers have won both of the teams’ prior series; this is their third postseason encounter in five years.
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