Despite missing top scorer Luka Doncic, Dallas defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 113-97 on Saturday night thanks to 20 points from the bench, including 14 in the fourth quarter, and eight Mavericks in double digits, led by Quentin Grimes.
Doncic, who ranks seventh in the NBA with 28.9 points per game, missed his second straight game due to a contusion in his left heel.
Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie both got fifteen points, while Klay Thompson scored sixteen.
Due to an injured shoulder, Irving, Dallas’ second-leading scorer with an average of 23.9 points, was unable to play in the previous game.
Midway through the last quarter, Grimes made a run of three-pointers in a row. Dallas’ next attempt was fouled behind the arc, and Grimes made all three of his free throws.
The Clippers, who split a two-game series in Dallas, had 28 points from Norman Powell. Kevin Porter Jr. and James Harden each contributed 19.
The Mavericks led 54-40 at the half after outscoring the Clippers 31-18 in the second period, outshooting them 47.8% to 22.2%.
Takeaways
Clippers: Ivica Zubac recorded his 19th double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds. With 26,503 points, Harden moved up to 16th position in the NBA career scoring standings, surpassing Tim Duncan.
Mavericks: Dallas improved to 6-2 sans Doncic thanks to 11 points and 11 rebounds from Dereck Lively II.
Key moment
Before making a second-chance 3-pointer with 1:07 remaining in the first half, Irving was 1 of 10 and 0 of 3 on 3-pointers. He made two 3-pointers and went 5 of 15 from there.
Key stat
Grimes led the Mavericks in bench points (46–24), followed by Daniel Gafford (13), Naji Marshall (12), and Grimes.
Up next
On Monday night, the Clippers will play the Memphis Grizzlies to wrap up a three-game road trip. In the third game of a four-game homestand, the Mavericks will host the Portland Trail Blazers.
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