1-1.

After the Mavericks came out in Game 2 and led wire to wire, we’re all tied up in the series. If not for the pandemic, we’d be playing tonight at the American Airlines Center, where you can imagine just how loud and excited the crowd full of MFFL’s would be.

Like Game 5’s in a seven game series, whichever team wins Game 3 typically goes on to win the series so tally tonight’s game as a big one.

No Pat Bev?

The Clippers were without their pitbull of a point guard, Patrick Beverley, in Game 2 as he continues to deal with a left calf strain. Los Angeles is 11-11 when Beverley doesn’t play this season, showing just how important his defensive tenacity and leadership is for the Clippers.

With no Pat Bev in the lineup, that gives the Mavericks an edge, as they proved so without Beverley in the lineup in Game 2. If he’s a no-go tonight, expect Dallas to be able to continue scoring at a high clip.

The “others”

As Shaq always says on ‘Inside The NBA’, it’s all about the others. Well, the others came to play on Wednesday night for the Mavericks. 61 points combined for Tim Hardaway Jr., Seth Curry, Trey Burke, and yes, Boban.

Luka had another Luka-esque type of game and KP did his thing but it was the others who won this game for the Mavericks. If they can step up, hit open shots, and take some of the pressure off Luka and KP when they’re getting a breather again tonight, Dallas will be in a good place.

“Playoff P”

Shooting 4/17 doesn’t sound like a guy who warrants the nickname “Playoff P”.

Paul George struggled on Wednesday, both shooting and staying out of foul trouble.

As NBA Twitter does, they clowned PG after he showed up to his post game media availability with his shoulder wrapped in ice. After just shooting 4/17, I may do the same thing.

But, as a guy with the nickname “Playoff P”, wouldn’t you think he’d be mentally strong with a winning mindset of “on to the next one”?

Wrong.

Paul posted a quote on his Instagram, in efforts to show that he was unbothered of what other people thought of him. which in my mind, only proved that he was ultimately bothered and had his feelings hurt even more.

I’d look for PG to force the issue tonight and attempt to have a big game. Whether that happens or not, it seems to be clear that you aren’t built like a stone cold killer, Paul.