After the All-Star break, the Western Conference standings placed the Clippers 11th with a 15-14 record, trailing the other nine playoff teams and the . Meanwhile, the Mavericks went on a remarkable 16-2 run over an 18-game stretch after moving and into the starting lineup on March 7th, losing their last two games only after securing the No. 5 seed in the West and resting their key players.
In the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs, these two teams faced off. The Clippers dominated Game 1 on Sunday, winning 109-97. LA held a 29-point lead in the third quarter. However, this outcome serves as a reminder that regular season performance may not always translate into playoff success.
Historically, playing well in the first half of the season has proven more significant. In the past 10 playoffs (excluding the 2020 bubble), teams with a higher net rating before the All-Star break have a remarkable record of 109-41 (.727) in all series. In contrast, teams with a higher net rating after the break have a record of 93-57 (.620).
As the Clippers-Mavericks series progresses, it remains to be seen whether the Clippers’ late-season surge will carry them through or if the Mavericks’ overall consistency will prevail.
