The Clippers need to adjust their mentality.
The Los Angeles Clippers pulled off a gritty overtime win against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, defeating them 138-131 to snap a four-game losing streak, but it didn't always look like that was going to be the end result.
Dallas came out strong with a massive 42-point first quarter to immediately put the pressure on Los Angeles. The Clippers scored 32 points of their own in the first to at least make the gap manageable, but it was still a deficit that no team wants to be in.
From then on started the long road back to success for the Clippers, who scored 68 points across the second and third quarters to erase their early deficit before finding the game tied at the end of regulation after a nearly even fourth.
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) battle for the loose ball during the over time period at the American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesSurviving in Overtime
Los Angeles had the advantage in overtime to come away with the win, but all of the work it took to get there is what has head coach Ty Lue worried about his team and wishing they could get back to their commitment to defense that they showed earlier in the season.
"We've got to have a defensive identity... We've got to understand what we're trying to do. What we're trying to accomplish," Lue said. "We've got to make our mind up that we want to be a defensive playing team. That's how we've got to start games and then go from there."
Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard (9) drives to the basket past LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) during the overtime period at the American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesDefense is imperative to any team, as is a strong start to a game. The way that Saturday's game began was an example of neither for Los Angeles. The fact that they finished with a win is evidence that they have the offensive talent to overcome harsh deficits at times, but it;'s better still not be in a deficit in the first place.
What It Takes To Have A Defensive Mindset
The extra strain, both mentally and physically, that it takes to start coming back nearly as soon as the game begins is hard for any team and it's something the Clippers want to avoid. That's what has Lue so concerned about the state of his team and why he needs them to realign themselves back into prioritizing defense.
LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) steals the ball from Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) during the overtime period at the American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesLue's emphasis on the team having a defensive mentality stems from knowing that the Clippers have it in them to play solid defense and it's simply a matter of deciding to execute when need be.
Executing throughout the game, particularly in the beginning, is crucial to set the tone for how the rest of the game is going to go. The Clippers don't need to fight their way back from a deficit all of the time.
Now it's up to them to flip that switch and engage more on the defensive end.