The Dallas Mavericks secured a solid 113-97 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night, avenging their earlier loss to the same team just two days prior. This win showcased the Mavericks' resilience, particularly with the absence of superstar Luka Doncic, who sat out due to a left heel contusion.
Kyrie Irving made his return to the lineup after missing the previous game due to shoulder soreness and was instrumental, albeit not very efficient, scoring 15 points on 6 of 25 shooting. While Irving struggled with his shot, his presence helped open up the floor for his teammates. Eight different Mavericks ended up scoring in double digits, reflecting their collective offensive effort.
Quentin Grimes particularly stood out, scoring 20 points off the bench, with 14 of those points coming during a high-pressure fourth quarter. His late-game performance included hitting four consecutive shots and making all three of his free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt. Grimes' scoring burst was pivotal to the Mavericks maintaining control and asserting their dominance during the final minutes of the game.
Despite Doncic's absence—who is currently averaging 28.9 points per game—Dallas displayed impressive depth. This win improved their record to 6-2 without him. Grimes' surge and Irving's ability to draw defenders helped the Mavericks create effective scoring opportunities. Mavericks’ forward Naji Marshall also contributed with 12 points, showcasing his growing impact since signing with the team.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Mavericks showed marked improvement from their previous matchup against the Clippers, where they were overwhelmed. This time, Dallas held the Clippers to just 42% shooting and forced 17 turnovers, stifling several scoring opportunities for L.A. James Harden, who was dealing with tight defense throughout, finished with seven turnovers and was only 6 for 18 from the floor. The Mavericks' defense was anchored by Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, both of whom are making their mark with blocks and presence inside the paint.
The Clippers' Norman Powell led all scorers with 28 points but found little support on the perimeter as Dallas' defensive schemes minimized L.A. from getting easy shots. While Ivica Zubac contributed 13 points and 15 rebounds, the Clippers couldn’t generate enough offensive rhythm, especially after the Mavericks capitalized with a strong showing during the second quarter, outscoring the Clippers 31-18.
Despite Dallas' uneven shooting night, they were able to rebound effectively, sharing the load offensively across their roster. Irving's early struggles eventually turned around as he found some footing, shooting well during the final stretch to help secure the win.
Going forward, the Mavericks will need to continue to build on this performance as they look to navigate the rough patches during Doncic's absence. Their next matchup is against the Portland Trail Blazers, where they will aim to maintain their winning momentum.
The Clippers, on the other hand, will be finishing their road trip with a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, hoping to regroup after splitting the two games with the Mavericks.
