No Kawhi Leonard, no problem.
The Los Angeles Clippers ruled out their 5-time All-NBA forward before tipoff Sunday then proceeded to dismantle the Dallas Mavericks in a 109-97 Game 1 win in the first round of the playoffs.
With Leonard sidelined, James Harden took the reins in a throwback performance invoking his MVP prime. The 34-year-old point guard hit his first four 3-pointers en route 28 points to lead a dominant effort from the Clippers.
But it was the Los Angeles defense that made the biggest impact.