Dallas Mavericks Ivica Zubac Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Mavericks roared to fifth in the Western Conference by winning 11 of their final 16 regular-season games. They were dead set against avoiding the play-in tournament. Luka Doncic was special as he helped the Mavs overcome a slow start to move up two spots in the difficult West from last season.
Dallas’ improvements did not change their first-round playoff matchup, though. They will face the LA Clippers for the second straight year. Kawhi Leonard was unstoppable as the Clippers won in six games inside the bubble, but both teams are considerably different in 2021 outside of their star talents.