Los Angeles Clippers Defeat Dallas Mavericks 133-127 In 2OT

The Dallas Mavericks continued the four-game homestand with a third game, an NBA Cup Group Play match, against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. The Mavericks fell to the Clippers 133-127 in a double overtime thriller at the American Airlines Center. Dallas dropped to 3-10, while Los Angeles improved to 4-8.

Previously, Dallas staged a comeback against the Phoenix Suns, but the Suns stormed back to win 123-114 at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday.

Dallas didn’t win the game after firing GM Nico Harrison. Harrison, 52, broke his silence on Thursday by changing his Instagram bio to “Girl dad” and “Unemployed.” Harrison’s No. 1 priority should, indeed, be a “Girl dad” as his daughter Nia committed to the USC Trojans’ track and field team.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers Starters

Friday’s game could’ve been described as the battle of the bottom-feeders. Both teams have been facing early-season challenges due to injuries and a lack of key players. However, both teams’ goals were to earn more wins sooner rather than later.

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Brandon Williams, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Naji Marshall, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Anthony Davis (calf), Dante Exum (knee), and PJ Washington (shoulder). Dereck Lively II (knee) returned to the court.

Los Angeles’ starting lineup featured James Harden, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., John Collins, and Ivica Zubac. Los Angeles ruled out Bradley Beal (hip) and Kawhi Leonard (ankle and foot). Los Angeles’ defensive issue can be attributed to Brook Lopez, who is in his 18th NBA season. Lopez’s floor space is still valuable, but shooting splits are not so valuable.

Mavericks vs. Clippers Recap

Friday’s game offered a chance for both teams to achieve a new feat. These two teams’ playoff rivalry dates back to 2020. For now, Dallas sought to stop Los Angeles from winning three straight games, while Los Angeles hoped to defeat Dallas for the third time in a row.

Los Angeles excelled in converting defense into offense in the first quarter. Los Angeles went on an early 12-2 run. Dallas glimmered with highlight-reel-worthy plays, such as Williams’ pass to Gafford, who threw down a two-handed jam. Dallas went on a late 18-7 run. Los Angeles settled for a 34-31 lead to end the first.

Dallas opened the second quarter with a 9-0 run. Klay Thompson hit a three-pointer. Moussa Cisse — an overlooked two-way center — threw down an alley-oop over Lopez. Dallas had an unsuccessful challenge and lost a timeout. Zubac went to the free-throw line. Los Angeles went on a 12-2 run. Los Angeles took a 62-55 lead into halftime.

Both teams played in a third quarter that started slowly. Martin picked up the ball and threw it to Naji Marshall, who scooped it to the hoop. Harden made a clutch step-back jumper. Dallas picked up the pace, but Los Angeles took a 93-86 lead after three quarters.

Los Angeles started the final quarter with a 6-0 run. Bogdan Bogdanovic shone with three straight perimeter shots. Dallas accelerated to cut the lead to 108-106 and tie the game 112-112. The game went into overtime after a 114-114 tie.

The Mavericks opened the scoring in the first overtime. Los Angeles scored three straight points to take a 117-116 lead. Dallas’s comeback was in full force. Flagg appeared fearless in the face of contact. Flagg, 18, picked up a defensive rebound. Dallas tied the game 123-123. Gafford’s block forced the second overtime.

Both teams were tied at 125-125 to start the second overtime. However, Los Angeles put on a scoring clinic. Harden achieved a 41-point triple-double, along with 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Los Angeles won 133-127 in the second overtime.

Final Thoughts

Dallas concludes the four-game homestand with the fourth game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on KUNP.

Los Angeles continues the seven-game road trip with the second game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The game will be broadcast on NBCS-BOS.