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Dallas Mavericks Must Improve Handling ‘X-Factor’ Ivica Zubac in Game 2 vs. Clippers

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Dallas Mavericks Must Improve Handling ‘X-Factor’ Ivica Zubac in Game 2 vs. Clippers


On Sunday, the Dallas Mavericks lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, losing by a final score of 109-97.

Ivica Zubac was a significant element of the Clippers’ success, finishing with 20 points and 15 rebounds. The Mavericks trailed by as many as 29 points, with momentum going against them early amidst Zubac scoring 10 points alone in the opening period.

“I think it was definitely the X-Factor today, or however you say it, but it was a big factor for them– rebounding, scoring, too,” Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic said of Zubac. “We have to be more physical with him and do a better job of it.”

Zubac, who finished with a career-high in the playoffs with 20 points and 15 rebounds, was catching the ball deep in the paint and was allowed to work 1-on-1 with whoever the Mavericks were playing at center without help, whether that was Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II.

“Just doing my job,” Zubac said.

Dallas was too afraid of Zubac spraying the ball out to open shooters, and rightfully so since the Clippers shot 18-36 from behind the arc in this game, but the Clippers seemed to be one step ahead the entire way. 

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As the Mavericks adjusted to Zubac, the Clippers started relying more on James Harden and Paul George to create shots from the perimeter. When Zubac and Harden are playing as well as they did in this game, it’s easy to overcome playing without Kawhi Leonard, as the Clippers were. 

“Yeah, [Ivica] Zubac was big. He dominated during Game 1 at the center position,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “They played to him in the post and we didn’t have an answer. We have to be better. We talked about Zubac and the ability that he has when shots go up. Rebounding, we have to make sure that we send two to him but in the post regardless we have to do a better job of guarding him in the post.”

Gafford wasn’t pleased with his own effort tonight, admitting he needs to come out more prepared to play, especially in a postseason setting.

“I just didn’t come out here to play, honestly,” Gafford said. “I have to be able to be better in areas that I was always succeeding throughout the regular season. I got to come out, and I got to play playoff basketball…”

Gafford also went down with a minor ankle injury in the second quarter, which required him to exit the game and go to the locker room early, but he returned to action in the second half. 

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Zubac not only made life difficult on the Mavericks’ interior defense, but he anchored the Clippers—allowing only 30 points in the first half and specifically, only eight points in the second quarter.

“I know we are a great defensive team. I got to be one of the leaders on the defensive end,” Zubac said. “And that’s something that I’ve been doing for this team for a little bit, and no matter who it is, I just have to lock into the game plan.

“They are going to make shots, Luka [Doncic] and Kyrie [Irving] are going to make tough shots, but we got to make it harder on them. That’s it,” Zubac explained. “Not worried about what anyone says about a series three years ago. That was three years ago and I know what is our game plan, what we are willing to give up and trying to take away and just stick with it.”

The Clippers seemed to play with more urgency overall, and it started with getting Zubac the ball in the post, a trend that can’t continue for the rest of the series if the Mavericks want to advance. 

The Mavericks will need a better game plan for him in Game 2 on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. CST at Crypto.com Arena.

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Dallas, TX

Cowboys news: More moves that Dallas could make this offseason

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Cowboys news: More moves that Dallas could make this offseason


1. Dorance Armstrong Jr., EDGE, Commanders

This one makes too much sense to me to not talk about.

Dorance Armstrong is a player the Commanders could cut ties with to save some cap space. For Dallas, this would not be some mystery evaluation because the Cowboys know exactly who Armstrong is.

They drafted him, and watched him grow into a dependable pass rusher.

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I’m not saying Dorance Armstrong is some game-wrecking superstar, but he’s an edge defender who can give good snaps, set the edge, chase quarterbacks, and fit into a rotation without needing the whole defense built around him.

The NFC East part gives it extra spice, too. Bringing back a former Cowboy from Washington would get some attention, but the football part is what sells it. Dallas needs waves of pressure and Armstrong brings another wave.

2. Uchenna Nwosu, EDGE/LB, Seahawks

Uchenna Nwosu is the kind of name that doesn’t scream headline, but fits the job description.

Seattle’s roster lists Nwosu as a linebacker, and shows him at 6’2, 265 pounds with nine years of experience. He is credited with seven sacks during the Seahawks’ 2025 season.

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That’s the kind of veteran pass rusher I would love to see Dallas pick up if the money doesn’t get weird.

Nwosu isn’t a luxury piece, but he is insurance. He’s the type of player I feel would keep the Cowboys from putting too much stress on the same pass rushers every week.

You can never have enough guys who can heat up the pocket, especially in a conference where every playoff road seems to run through quarterbacks who can make you pay if they get comfortable.



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Vigil honors victims of Dallas apartment explosion that killed three and injured five

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Vigil honors victims of Dallas apartment explosion that killed three and injured five


More than 100 people gathered Friday night at a high school near the sealed‑off blast zone to honor the victims of the deadly explosion at The Clyde apartments in Oak Cliff

The vigil – filled with hymns, prayers, and candles – brought together neighbors, local leaders, and pastors, many of whom were personally connected to those who died.

Just down the street, the debris field marks where three people were killed and five others injured when an explosion and fire tore through the complex earlier in the day.

Remembering Sylvia Collins

Sylvia Collins

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Among those honored was Sylvia Collins, a Democratic Party precinct chair known for her energy, advocacy, and signature raised‑fist rally pose.

State Rep. Cassandra Garcia‑Hernandez reflected on the loss, saying she couldn’t imagine taking another “fist‑up photo” with Collins. 

State Sen. Royce West urged the community to remember Collins by continuing the work she championed.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the other two victims, believed to be a young woman and her toddler.

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Search and Recovery Complete, Cause Still Unknown

Dallas Fire‑Rescue Chief Justin Ball confirmed that the search and recovery phase is complete, though he declined to comment on whether construction crews digging near the property may have struck a natural gas line before the blast.

Ball also defended the actions of firefighters who were on scene for up to 10 minutes before the explosion without ordering evacuations. He said crews first had to locate the source of the gas odor, secure a water supply, and gear up before they could begin clearing the building.

Lawsuit Filed Against Atmos Energy

One survivor has already filed a lawsuit against Atmos Energy, accusing the utility of failing to properly monitor for gas leaks. Attorney Sadi Antonmattei‑Goitia said incidents like this “don’t happen without bad decisions being made.”

Atmos did not respond to questions about the lawsuit but issued a statement saying the company’s “hearts go out to the people who were tragically lost, their families, and everyone who has been impacted.”

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McAllen Welcomes Texas Hockey | Dallas Stars

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McAllen Welcomes Texas Hockey | Dallas Stars


DallasStars.com is the official Web site of DSE Hockey Club, L.P. The Dallas Stars primary logo is a registered trademark and the Stars name and secondary logos are trademarks of the Dallas Stars. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. Copyright © 1999-2026 DSE Hockey Club, L.P. and the National Hockey League. All Rights Reserved.



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