Paul George drives through the lane and finishes against the Dallas Mavericks. (Photo taken by De’Angelo Scruggs/Infanity Tv)
Los Angeles, CA- The Los Angeles Clippers(7-8) rebound from last night’s loss and defeat the visiting Dallas Mavericks (10-6) 107-88.
On a night when Kawhi Leonard and James Harden struggled, going a combined 4-20 from the field and only scoring eight points each, Paul George led the way for the Los Angeles Clippers scoring 25 points and grabbing nine rebounds.
The Clippers were the more aggressive team from the tip-off. They connected on 12/23 attempts and shot 52% field goal average from the floor.
George scored nine first-quarter points and sparked a 19-7 run with help from Terrance Mann, who scored eight of his season-high 17 points.
Clippers held a 29-18 lead at the end of the first period.
In the second quarter, the Clippers extended their lead to 18 points. While the Mavs struggled to make baskets, the Slovenian superstar Luka Donic started cooking.
Donic scored 17 of his 30 points and led the Mavericks on a 10-2 run that helped cut the Clippers’ lead down to 12 points as they entered halftime.
The score was 56-45 at the half.
In the third, both squads struggled to put the ball in the basket. Dallas managed to convert only 7 out of 24 attempts for a 29% field goal percentage, while the Clippers shot 7 for 20 on 35% from the floor.
The Clippers saw their largest lead of the night sit at 24 before the Mavs would cut it down to 17 points as we approached the final period.
Clippers led 79-62 at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Since electing to move to the bench, Russell Westbrook had his best statistical performance. The nine-time NBA All-Star had 14 points, 12 of which he scored in the fourth quarter, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
Westbrook spoke on his mindset and performance following the game. “Tonight I probably shot the ball twice until the fourth quarter maybe,” Westbrook said. “But I know that I’m able to do everything else on the floor, defend at a high level, rebound, pass and impact winning.”
Westbrook finding his role and niche for this stacked Clippers squad is pivotal. With an abundance of ball handlers and players, the ball won’t always be in Westbrook’s hands so it’s vital for him to find other ways to be of value on the court.
“When he was playing with that kind of energy, it brings it for everyone,” Lue said. “It was good to see Russ play well. We need him. He’s important to our team.”
Overall it was a good team win for the Clippers who walked away with a final score of 107-88. For a team that is highly constructed around their three stars they were able to still pull out a victory due to the contribution of the others on the roster.
“Kawhi and James didn’t have a great night, And to beat a good team like this says a lot, but our bench was really good tonight as well. ” coach Tyronn Lue said. “So defensively that’s how you’re going to win games because you’re not going to make shots every single night. And tonight we showed that.”
Next, the Clippers will welcome the defending champion Denver Nuggets to Crypto.com Arena on Monday evening as they look to even the season series.
