DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers by a final score of 113-97 on Saturday night. This victory served as a strong bounce-back after Dallas faced off against the Clippers just two days prior, where they lost 118-95. With this latest win, the Mavericks improved their season record to 18-10.
Quentin Grimes shined for Dallas, leading the team with 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Head coach Jason Kidd praised Grimes, saying, “He enjoys the game, he’s a pro. He works extremely hard… He’s all about the team. That’s a quality we’ve learned here quickly.” Grimes also became instrumental, contributing significantly on both offense and defense, especially since the Mavericks are currently playing without their star player, Luka Doncic, due to injury.
This season, the Mavericks are 4-0 when Grimes scores 20 or more points. Post-game, Grimes expressed his mindset, noting, “I’m just completely locked in. I’m just trying to stay in the flow, not get too high, not get too low… If it come my way, I’m definitely gonna shoot it.” His teammates echoed similar sentiments, with Naji Marshall emphasizing Grimes' contributions by stating, “That’s just what he do, man. Shooter, energy guy, bringing it on the defensive end.”
The Mavs showcased notable depth across the roster, assisting their offensive efforts.Two other players scored over 15 points, including Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie, who both contributed 15 points and six assists. Klay Thompson also stepped up, scoring 16 points and recording four steals. While Kyrie Irving’s night may not have been the most efficient—he shot just 6 for 25—it was his presence and playmaking ability, along with Grimes' solid performance, which opened up opportunities, allowing seven other Mavericks to finish the game with double-digit scoring.
Defensively, the Mavericks made significant strides compared to their previous outing against Los Angeles, holding the Clippers to just 42% shooting from the field and 27% from beyond the arc. Dallas also forced 17 turnovers, with James Harden struggling particularly, registering seven turnovers himself and shooting poorly at 6 of 18 from the floor. This improved defensive performance was highlighted by the contributions of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, who both tallied two blocks each.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Mavericks and Clippers were locked in what felt like a tight contest, but Dallas erupted offensively, outscoring LA 39-31 in the final period. Quentin Grimes, who scored 14 of his 20 points during this quarter, played a pivotal role when his team needed it most. “A consistent player is important, and the ability to score when it counts shifts momentum,” said coach Kidd.
Despite the challenges posed by not having Doncic, this game exemplified the Mavericks’ resilience and unity as they continue to find their rhythm through collaboration. The strong contributions from the bench and reliable performances from the starters highlight how depth can be beneficial during tough stretches.
Looking forward, the Mavericks' home stand continues with another important matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, and they are slated to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day. This win undoubtedly boosts morale as Dallas hopes to maintain their momentum.
With solid teamwork and contributions from multiple players, the Mavericks have shown they can remain competitive even without their star player, setting the stage for what could be an exciting few weeks for fans and players alike.
