Kawhi Leonard and Luka Doncic will face off in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Luka Doncic has shown to be a prolific scorer for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 33.5 points per game. His scoring performance is especially impressive given that he has typically been the Mavericks’ top option. This role has pushed Doncic to shoulder a huge offensive load, making his scoring efficiency even more outstanding. This year, though, he has Kyrie Irving at his side.
On the other hand, despite a slightly lower point average of 32.5 per game, Kawhi Leonard benefits from the Los Angeles Clippers’ more balanced offensive arsenal. He gets the benefit of scoring assistance from players such as Paul George, allowing him to share the offensive responsibility and maybe be more selective with his shots.
To summarize, while both Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard are excellent scorers in their own right, Doncic’s higher points per game average reflects his status as the Mavericks’ primary scoring option.
Rebounds per game for Luke Doncic: 8.8.
Kawhi Leonard: 8.9 RPG.
When comparing Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard’s postseason rebounding numbers, the two players are shockingly similar. Luka Doncic has averaged 8.8 rebounds per game for the Dallas Mavericks, proving his ability to contribute heavily on the boards despite being mostly a scorer.
Similarly, Kawhi Leonard has produced virtually comparable rebounding numbers with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 8.9 per game. Leonard’s ability to grab rebounds compliments his scoring abilities and demonstrates his versatility as a two-way player. In this element of the game, the two players are practically evenly matched, with Leonard slightly ahead in rebounding.
Luka Doncic averages 9.5 assists per game.
Kawhi Leonard has 4.8 APG.
Luka Doncic has performed admirably as a natural point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 9.5 assists per game. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates demonstrates his playmaking abilities and his role as the Mavericks’ key offensive facilitator.
In contrast, Kawhi Leonard, despite being a forward with defensive responsibilities, has provided far less assists, averaging 4.8 per game. Leonard’s job with the Los Angeles Clippers emphasizes his defensive and scoring ability, which frequently limit his opportunity to play as a playmaker.
Doncic’s natural position as a point guard, along with his status as the Mavericks’ primary offensive option, necessitates a more active playmaking role, which results in a higher assist average. Leonard’s playmaking opportunities are limited, however, due to his forward responsibilities, as well as his defensive and scoring obligations.
Luka Doncic averages 1.2 steals per game.
Kawhi Leonard has 2.3 SPG.
Luka Doncic’s average theft rate for the Dallas Mavericks is 1.2 per game, which underlines his defensive skills but falls short of Leonard’s defensive impact. The gap in steals per game between Doncic and Leonard is due to their contrasting defensive responsibilities and priorities.
Kawhi Leonard is widely considered as one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders, and his higher steal average shows both his defensive strength and his ability to create turnovers. Luka Doncic’s somewhat lower steal average reflects not only his well-rounded game, but also his primary role as an offensive facilitator for the Dallas Mavericks, who may prioritize his attacking responsibilities over defensive pursuits.
Luka Doncic averages 0.5 blocks per game.
Kawhi Leonard averages 0.8 BPG.
While not recognized for his shot-blocking abilities, Luka Doncic has averaged 0.5 blocks per game for the Dallas Mavericks. This is a good figure for a guard, demonstrating his desire to challenge shots and contribute defensively despite his primary offensive responsibility. His 6’7″ height also allows him to successfully block shots when the opportunity arises.
Once again, Kawhi Leonard holds a tiny advantage in this defensive metric. Leonard has been averaging 0.8 blocks per game for the Los Angeles Clippers, displaying his ability to defend the rim and contribute as a shot blocker despite playing largely on the outside as a forward. Without a doubt, Leonard’s slightly higher blocks per game average demonstrates his defensive versatility and importance as a shot blocker for the Clippers.
Luka Doncic’s field-goal percentage is 49.4%.
Kawhi Leonard: 57.6 percent
Despite his high amount of scoring and significant offensive load for the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic has an amazing field-goal percentage of 49.4%. This effectiveness is noteworthy given Doncic’s primary offensive role, which frequently forces him to generate scoring opportunities and attempt difficult shots.
On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard has been more selective in his shot attempts for the Los Angeles Clippers, resulting in a significantly higher field-goal percentage of 57.6%. Leonard’s ability to pick his positions and shoot high percentages demonstrates his offensive efficiency and basketball IQ.
Doncic’s somewhat lower field-goal percentage, despite his great volume of scoring, shows the difficulty of the shots he frequently creates for himself and his teammates. Leonard’s better field-goal %, on the other hand, demonstrates his ability to capitalize on quality scoring opportunities as well as his judicious shot-taking.
Luka Doncic’s 3-point percentage is 39.2%.
Kawhi Leonard: 36.5 percent.
Despite being the Dallas Mavericks’ primary offensive option and carrying a significant scoring load, Luka Doncic has maintained a decent 3-point shooting percentage of 39.2%. His ability to shoot the ball successfully from long range expands his offensive game and gives him a more formidable scoring threat.
Kawhi Leonard, recognized for his scoring ability and offensive versatility, has a 3-point shooting percentage of 36.5%. While Leonard’s % is significantly lower than Doncic’s, his ability to stretch the floor and shoot from beyond the arc remains a valuable weapon to the Clippers’ offense. Leonard will undoubtedly need to improve his shooting against Luka in order to win this time around, as Kyrie Irving is shooting 41.1% from three this season.
Luke Doncic’s free-throw percentage is 60.0%.
Kawhi Leonard scored 87.5%.
On the other side, Luka Doncic has struggled from the free-throw line, shooting only 60.0%. Doncic’s lower free-throw % is a significant drawback in his game, especially given that he routinely goes to the basket and draws fouls as part of his high-volume scoring strategy.
Kawhi Leonard has an outstanding 87.5% free-throw shooting rate. His consistency and dependability from the charity stripe make him a key asset in late-game scenarios while also increasing his offensive effectiveness. Perhaps Leonard and the Clippers will foul Luka to force him to the line rather than handing him easy shots.
Playoff Series Record: Kawhi Leonard vs. Luka Doncic 2-0 (8-5)
Kawhi Leonard has the series lead against Luka Doncic heading into the 2024 Western Conference First Round. Leonard and the Clippers defeated Doncic and the Mavericks in six games in the 2020 First Round, followed by a thrilling seven-game series in 2021. Leonard has won eight of his 13 games, giving him the edge in this area. Doncic has scored more points in their series games, but Leonard has the advantage of always having a better team, including guys like Paul George. With Kyrie Irving on Luka’s side, maybe the tide may turn in the 2024 playoffs.
Final Score
Kawhi Leonard vs. Luka Doncic 6-3
Kawhi Leonard wins the head-to-head matchup by having greater defensive numbers, rebounds, and shooting percentages. The Claw is a far more controlled player on both ends of the floor, and he picks his moments, whereas Doncic is a high-volume player who must shoulder a large offensive load.
Doncic must capitalize on his improved all-around scoring and playmaking abilities and target Leonard in the postseason. Even if Leonard is an exceptional defender, constantly defending Doncic will fatigue him. Regardless, Leonard can enter the postseason with an advantage in both stats and series wins.
Who Wins The Best-Of-7 Series Between The Mavericks And Clippers?
In the playoffs, Kawhi Leonard leads Luka Doncic in five of eight statistical categories, illustrating his overall influence and contributions on both sides of the court. Furthermore, the Los Angeles Clippers hold a 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2020 and 2021 first-round playoffs, having won 8 of the 13 meetings between the two teams.
Given the Clippers’ roster depth, which includes Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Norman Powell, as opposed to the Mavericks’ reliance on Luka Doncic and the addition of Kyrie Irving, the Clippers appear to be the favorites in a best-of-7 series between the two teams.
While Luka Doncic has proved his scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and offensive versatility, Kawhi Leonard’s greater defensive contributions, efficiency, and postseason experience offer the Clippers an advantage. Paul George’s scoring abilities, paired with the potential impact of James Harden and Russell Westbrook, adds to the Clippers’ offensive firepower and depth.
Despite the Clippers being the favorites, the 7-game series is expected to be closely contested. The Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic and now with Kyrie Irving, are capable of putting up a fight and extending the series. However, the Clippers’ total squad depth, defensive capabilities, and recent success versus the Mavericks give them the advantage in a tightly contested seven-game series.