What the Clippers said after Mavericks win Game 2, tie series at 1-1

By tying their first-round Western Conference playoff series at 1-1 with a 96-93 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night, the Mavericks seized homecourt advantage and shifted the pressure onto LA.

The Clippers clearly viewed Game 2 as pivotal in that they used Kawhi Leonard, despite him not having taken part in games or contact work in more than three weeks.

Here’s what Leonard and Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said about the Mavs after Game 2.

Kawhi Leonard

The forward, playing for the first time since March 31, was asked about what makes Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic such a difficult tandem to defend. After his answer, he abruptly left the podium.

“Them just being three-level scorers and also finding their teammates getting them some looks on the floor as well,” he said. “They’re very dynamic, very skilled.”

Tyronn Lue

On their defense:

“We missed a lot of shots, but as far as what we did defensively, I mean, I’ll take that every day of the week.” Lue said. “Luka made some tough shots. Kyrie made some tough shots, which we talked about before the series. They’re gonna be able to do that. But overall to hold this team to 96 points, that’s a really great defensive night.”

On Maxi Kleber, who had two 3-pointers and six rebounds:

“Anytime you have a stretch five on the floor, it puts your defense in a compromising position,” Lue said. “He rebounds the basketball, he can switch one through five, he’s physical, with offensive rebounds, and so it just gives him a different look. You have [Daniel] Gafford and [Dereck] Lively, two lob threats, guys who can get behind the defense, and then you come back with Maxi Kleber, who can stretch the floor and make a three.

“And so he gives them a different look, and he played well tonight.”