Felicia Enriquez, aka Mynt J, is the host of the podcast BlackLove and Basketball – Compton Edition. She is a Clippers fan, an NBA credentialed creator representing thePeachBasket. In this article, All Eyes on Zu: The Big Battle That Could Shift the West, she prepares ClipperNation for a battle of bigs on tap tonight and the potential shift in the Western Conference.
As the Clippers prepare to face off against the Dallas Mavericks on April 4, 2025, all eyes are understandably on the perimeter stars. But those who truly understand the game know tonight’s outcome may be decided in the paint. This is where two of the league’s most impactful big men—Ivica Zubac and Anthony Davis—are set to clash.
The stakes are high. The playoffs are looming. And this match up may be the pivot point that shifts momentum in the Western Conference.
The Hype vs. The Foundation
Anthony Davis is a household name. A former Defensive Player of the Year, Olympic gold medalist, and NBA champion. His resume is extensive. But in this moment, with everything on the line, the question isn’t about reputation—it’s about reliability.
And that’s where Ivica Zubac steps in.
While Davis often dominates headlines, Zubac quietly does the dirty work. He’s dependable, present, and productive in a way that has made him the rock of the Clippers’ defense all season long.
All eyes on Zu: Head-to-Head Breakdown
| Category | Anthony Davis (DAL) | Ivica Zubac (LAC) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 25.7 | 16.5 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 11.9 | 12.5 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 52.8% | 62.3% |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.1 | 1.2 |
| Team Defensive Rating | 115.7 (20th) | 110.3 (4th) |
| Games Played | 58 | 70+ |
| Pain Tolerance & Availability | Questionable | Certified |
Zubac has not only been more efficient, he’s been significantly more available—a key factor in a playoff race that leaves no room for missed opportunities.
Zubac’s Case for Defensive Recognition
Zubac is currently riding the longest active double-double streak in the NBA, with nine straight games (March 16 – April 2) where he’s averaged 18.3 points and 13.3 rebounds.
He has elevated his game at the perfect time. In addition to dominating the glass, Zubac continues to make smart reads out of the high post and has added facilitation to his skill set—evident in his 8-assist night against Charlotte.
While he may not yet be on the national Defensive Player of the Year radar, his recent performances are impossible to ignore, however, his teammates and fans believe he fits the criteria of Defensive Player of the Year.
Setting the Tone: Clippers Handle the Pelicans
On April 2nd 2025 the Clippers opened their final home stand with a 114–98 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. From the opening quarter, they took control and never looked back.
- Shot 52.6 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from three
- Forced 17 turnovers leading to 25 points
- Held their opponent under 100 for the 19th time this season (tied for most in the league)
Kawhi Leonard led with 28 points, his 10th straight game with 20 or more. James Harden added 21 points and 10 assists. Zubac finished with another double-double—17 points and 10 rebounds—continuing his quietly dominant stretch.
Tonight’s Match up: The Paint Battle That Matters
When the Mavericks defeated the Hawks on April 2nd, 2025, Anthony Davis posted 34 points and 15 rebounds. But Zubac is not Atlanta’s defense—and this game won’t come easy.
Zubac has made it clear: the paint belongs to him.
He contests without fouling; controls space and has become increasingly vocal in leading the Clippers’ defensive efforts. And when he’s at home, that effort goes up to another level.
Zubac is extremely protective of his home, the Intuit Dome.
He defends that paint like its sacred ground. Opponents don’t just walk in and take over—they earn every inch.
Dallas has been shaky defensively ranked 20th in Defensive Rating. That’s not on Davis alone, but if Zubac continues this level of play, it won’t be a fair fight in the paint.
And let’s not forget—this is a back-to-back series.
The Clippers and Mavericks will run it back tomorrow night, too.
So here’s the question: Will Anthony Davis be available for both games?
Because if fatigue or soreness creep in, and Zu keeps applying that pressure, the Mavericks might find themselves short-handed in the most crucial stretch of their season.
What’s at Stake
The Clippers are still in a pickle, no sugarcoating it. After spending most of the season in the top six, they’ve now slipped to 8th place in the Western Conference with just six games left in the regular season.
They’ve got six eggs left in their carton, and each one matters. One wrong move, one crack under pressure, and the postseason could get scrambled real fast.
This team didn’t grind all year just to end up in a sudden-death Play-In. They’ve built chemistry, dealt with adversity, and found ways to stay in the fight. Now it’s about finishing the job.
The mission is clear: win and climb.
As Kawhi Leonard said, “Focus on the game in front of you and win that one.” The Clippers don’t need to get all six at once, they just need to keep protecting what’s left.
If they can sweep this two-game set against Dallas, it gives them momentum, confidence, and control over their playoff destiny—plus a reminder to the league that this team still has something to say in the West.
But this can’t fall only on the players.
Coach Tyronn Lue has to be accountable as well. This team needs the right adjustments, smarter rotations, and a plan that plays to their strengths. No more late-game experiments or missed matchups—it’s going to take a complete team effort, from the locker room to the sideline.
Because now?
It’s time to get Intuit.
