Luka Doncic vs. Kawhi Leonard compared

In the opening round of the 2024 Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers are expected to engage in an intense matchup, with Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard drawing the most attention. We’ve broken into which of these two superstars has the advantage and who is most likely to win the series based on their past postseason competition.

Luke Doncic’s points per game: 33.5 PPG

Leonard Kawhi: 32.5 PPG

Luka Doncic, who averages an incredible 33.5 points per game for the Dallas Mavericks, has demonstrated his capacity to be a prolific scorer. Considering that he has always been the Mavericks’ top option, his scoring production is even more impressive. Due to this obligation, Doncic has had to carry a heavy offensive burden, which highlights his remarkable scoring efficiency. But he has Kyrie Irving at his side this year.

However, Kawhi Leonard gains by playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, where he has a more balanced offensive arsenal even though he averages slightly fewer points (32.5 per game). He can share the offensive load and possibly be more selective with his shots because he has the luxury of having players like Paul George assist him in scoring.

In conclusion, despite the fact that Kawhi Leonard and Luka Doncic are both superb scorers in their own right, Doncic’s higher points per game average is a reflection of his position as the Mavericks’ main scoring option.

Luka Doncic: Rebounds per game: 8.8 RPG

Leonard Kawhi: 8.9 RPG

When it comes to their averages, Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard are very similar when it comes to rebounding throughout the playoffs. Despite his primary role as a scorer, Luka Doncic has been displaying his ability to contribute heavily on the boards by grabbing 8.8 rebounds per game for the Dallas Mavericks.

In a similar vein, Kawhi Leonard, who averages 8.9 rebounds per game for the Los Angeles Clippers, has produced almost identical amounts of rebounds. In addition to enhancing his scoring skills, Leonard’s ability to grab rebounds demonstrates his versatility as a two-way player. The two players are nearly evenly matched in this area of the game, with Leonard having a tiny advantage in rebounds.

Luka Doncic’s assists per game: 9.5 APG

Leonard Kawhi: 4.8 APG

For the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic has flourished as a natural point guard, averaging an amazing 9.5 assists per game. His capacity to set up teammates for baskets emphasizes his playmaking abilities and his significance as the Mavericks’ main offensive facilitator.

On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard has averaged 4.8 assists per game, far fewer than any other forward with defensive duties as a forward. Leonard’s emphasis on defense and scoring is part of his role with the Los Angeles Clippers, which frequently prevents him from becoming a facilitator.

Due to his natural position as a point guard and his role as the Mavericks’ main offensive option, Doncic must play a bigger playmaking role, which raises his assist average. On the other hand, Leonard’s playmaking options are limited by his forward responsibilities, defensive obligations, and scoring responsibilities.

Luka Doncic’s steals per game: 1.2 SPG

Leonard Kawhi: 2.3 SPG

For the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic has averaged 1.2 steals per game, a solid total that emphasizes his defensive efforts but falls short of Leonard’s defensive impact. Due to their different defensive responsibilities and priorities, Doncic and Leonard steal less points per game than each other.

Considered by many to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, Kawhi Leonard’s better steal average is a testament to both his defensive skills and his ability to force turnovers. Though it also reflects his primary role as an offensive facilitator for the Dallas Mavericks, who may prioritize his offensive responsibilities above defensive ones, Luka Doncic’s somewhat lower steal average is a credit to his well-rounded game.

Luke Doncic’s blocks per game: 0.5 BPG

Leonard Kawhi: 0.8 BPG

Although he isn’t well-known for his shot blocking abilities, Luka Doncic has helped the Dallas Mavericks by averaging 0.5 blocks a game. Despite his primary offensive position, this is a good statistic for a guard and shows his willingness to contest shots and contribute defensively. His 6’7″ stature also aids in his ability to successfully block shots when he gets the chance.

In this defensive area, Kawhi Leonard continues to have a tiny advantage. Despite playing largely on the perimeter as a forward, Leonard has been averaging 0.8 blocks per game for the Los Angeles Clippers, showcasing his ability to protect the rim and contribute as a shot-blocker. Without a doubt, Leonard’s marginally better average of blocks per game demonstrates his defensive adaptability and his significance as a shot-blocker for the Clippers.

Luka Doncic’s field-goal percentage: 49.4%

Leonard Kawhi: 57.6%

Luka Doncic has an amazing field goal percentage of 49.4%, even though he scores a lot of points and carries a big offensive load for the Dallas Mavericks. Considering that Doncic is the main offensive option and frequently has to create scoring opportunities and attempt challenging shots, this efficiency is impressive.

However, Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers has been more deliberate in his shot attempts, which has resulted in a noticeably higher field-goal percentage of 57.6%. Leonard’s offensive efficiency and basketball IQ are demonstrated by his ability to pick his positions and make high-percentage baskets.

Despite his high scoring volume, Doncic’s somewhat lower field goal % is a reflection of the difficulty of the shots he frequently has to create for himself and his teammates. Leonard, on the other hand, has a better field goal %, which reflects his ability to take calculated shots and take advantage of quality scoring opportunities.

Luka Doncic’s 3-point percentage is 39.2%.

Leonard Kawhi: 36.5%

Even though Luka Doncic is the Dallas Mavericks’ main offensive option and carries a heavy scoring burden, he has maintained a decent 39.2% 3-point shooting percentage. His ability to shoot the ball well from a distance gives his attacking style a new dimension and increases his scoring potential.

Renowned for his ability to score and adapt to different offensive situations, Kawhi Leonard boasts a 36.5% 3-point shooting percentage. Leonard’s ability to spread the floor and make baskets beyond the arc is still a vital weapon for the Clippers’ offense, even though it is slightly lower than Doncic’s %. Undoubtedly, Leonard must improve his shooting against Luka in order to overcome his obstacles this time.

Kawhi Leonard, known for his scoring prowess and offensive versatility, has posted a 3-point shooting percentage of 36.5%. While slightly lower than Doncic’s percentage, Leonard’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from beyond the arc remains a valuable asset for the Clippers’ offense. No doubt, Leonard will need to shoot better against Luka to get over the hump this time because Kyrie Irving is nailing 41.1% from three this year.

Luka Doncic’s free-throw percentage: 60.0%

Leonard Kawhi: 87.5%

Luka Doncic, on the other hand, has had difficulty making free throws, shooting 60.0%. A noticeable flaw in Doncic’s game is his lower free-throw percentage, particularly considering that he routinely drives to the basket and gets fouls as part of his high-volume scoring strategy.

With an astounding 87.5% shooting percentage, Kawhi Leonard has been virtually automatic from the free-throw line. He increases his offensive efficiency and is a useful weapon in late-game circumstances because of his consistency and dependability from the charity stripe. Instead of giving Luka easy shots, Leonard and the Clippers may decide to foul him in order to force him to the line.

Playoff Series Record: Luka Doncic vs. Kawhi Leonard 2-0 (8-5)
In the series record, Kawhi Leonard leads Luka Doncic going into the first round of the 2024 Western Conference. In the 2020 First Round, Leonard and the Clippers defeated Doncic and the Mavericks in six games. In the 2021 playoffs, the two teams faced off in a fierce seven-game series. Leonard has the advantage in this area having won eight of the 13 games he has played.

Final Score
Kawhi Leonard vs. Luka Doncic 6-3
Kawhi Leonard wins the head-to-head comparison by managing higher defensive statistics, along with rebounds, and shooting percentages. The Claw is a far more controlled player on both ends of the court and picks his spots, while Doncic tends to be a high-volume player who has to carry a heavy burden offensively.

Doncic has to take advantage of being a better all-around scorer and playmaker and try to hurt Leonard this postseason by targeting him. Even if Leonard is an elite defender, it will exhaust him having to defend Doncic every possession. Regardless, Leonard can enter the matchup this postseason knowing he has an edge in stats and also in series wins.

Who Wins The Best-Of-7 Series Between The Mavericks And Clippers?
Based on the head-to-head comparison of Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard in the playoffs, Kawhi Leonard holds the advantage in five out of eight statistical categories, demonstrating his overall impact and contributions on both ends of the floor. Additionally, the Los Angeles Clippers have a 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2020 and 2021 first-round playoffs and have won 8 of the 13 matchups between the two teams.

Considering the Clippers’ roster depth with players like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Norman Powell, compared to the Mavericks’ reliance primarily 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 demonstrated his scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and offensive versatility, Kawhi Leonard’s superior defensive contributions, efficiency, and previous success in the playoffs give the Clippers an edge. Paul George’s scoring ability, combined with the potential impact of James Harden and Russell Westbrook, further strengthens the Clippers’ offensive firepower and depth.

Despite the Clippers being the favorites, it is expected to be a hotly contested 7-game series. The Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic and with the addition of Kyrie Irving, are capable of putting up a strong fight and extending the series. However, the Clippers’ overall roster depth, defensive capabilities, and previous success against the Mavericks give them the edge to win the series in seven games in a closely contested matchup.