The Los Angeles Clippers hosted the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. The Clippers sported the City Edition jerseys. The Clippers fell to the Mavericks 114-110 at the Intuit Dome. Los Angeles fell to 5-15, while Dallas improved to 6-15.
In case you missed it, the NBA announced two games for the Mavericks’ regular season schedule. The first being Mavericks vs. Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 12 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern and the second being Mavericks at Utah Jazz on Dec. 15 at 7:00 p.m. Mountain.
Saturday’s game showcased a rivalry between two teams with a history of matchups, including three playoff series, with Dallas winning 2-1.
Los Angeles’ starting lineup featured James Harden, Kris Dunn, Kawhi Leonard, John Collins, and Ivica Zubac. Los Angeles ruled out Bradley Beal (hip), Derrick Jones Jr. (knee), Bogdan Bogdanovic (hip), and Jordan Miller (hamstring).
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Ryan Nembhard, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Naji Marshall, and Dwight Powell. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), Anthony Davis (injury management), and Daniel Gafford (ankle). Dallas penciled PJ Washington (ankle) as a late scratch from the starting lineup.
Saturday’s game provided Dallas with a chance at beating LA. Previously, Los Angeles defeated Dallas 133-127 in the second overtime on November 14. Harden recorded his 82nd career triple-double with 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists.
The Clippers got off to a fast start in the first quarter. Los Angeles had a 13-6 lead at the 6:34 mark. Zubac drew an and-one, while Flagg scored back-to-back buckets, to open the scoring. Dallas picked up the pace, but Los Angeles took a 28-23 lead to end the first.
The Mavericks opened the scoring in the second quarter. Flagg, who had 12 points in nine minutes in the first quarter, posted up in the paint. Los Angeles sped up. Leonard showed off his signature pull-up jump shot. Los Angeles took a 56-49 lead into halftime.
Both teams’ headlines highlighted the third quarter. Powell found Ryan Nembhard, who fired a long-distance shot. Former NBA player Baron Davis, who played in the league from 1999 to 2012, was in attendance. The teams were tied at 83-83 after three quarters.
Both teams played competitive basketball in the fourth quarter. Harden found the ball before John Collins pulled off a full-court finish. Klay Thompson nailed a three-pointer. Dallas won 114-110 in regulation.
Dallas hits the road to face the Denver Nuggets in a one-game away tilt on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Mountain. Los Angeles opens a five-game road trip starting with the Miami Heat on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
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