Kawhi Leonard is the reigning Finals MVP. His team, the LA Clippers are one of the favorites to win the title this season. They face the surging Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. While Kawhi is a two-time Finals MVP, Kristaps Porzingis is playing in his first-ever playoff game.

Both players have had great first-half performances in game one. Dallas was down by 16 points in the first quarter but ended it with a four-point lead. The Clippers went down by 14 in the second, but Kawhi Leonard helped them come back within three points. The score is currently 69-66 in Dallas’s favor. Prozingis has scored 14 points, while Leonard sits on 15 on almost 67% shooting.

Porzingis has struggled to convert from the field, but one of his three field-goal makes came at the expense of Leonard. He received a pass from Luka Doncic just outside the key and drove into the lane. Leonard picked him up, but Porzingis elected to shoot a quick mid-range jumper. The two-time Defensive Player of Year Leonard couldn’t keep up and slipped. He fell to the ground as Porzingis’s shot bounced on the rim and went in.

Kawhi Leonard leading a comeback?

Both teams have been offensively in-tune for this game. The Clippers are shooting 54% from the field, while the Mavericks are 56.8%. Dallas is shooting even better from three, converting 12 of their 21 attempts (57.2%).

Kawhi Leonard is having a sound offensive game along with Paul George. Both men have combined for 30 points, scoring 15 each. Both men have also found themselves in foul trouble, so they may find themselves sitting out for portions of the third and fourth quarters. The Clippers do have plenty of offensive weapons outside these two men, but it would be preferable if the stars lead this game.

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Luka Doncic has had an explosive first half. He has scored 19 points with six rebounds and five assists. However, he has also had 7 turnovers. Doncic looked to have some injury issues in the first quarter but came back to lead the team to overcome the 16-point deficit they found themselves in.

The teams faced off earlier in the bubble, with the Clippers winning that game comfortably (126-111).