Grimes Shines as Mavericks Fall to Clippers in Preseason, Thompson Adjusts and Young Talent Impresses

Quentin Grimes leads the Mavericks in a preseason loss to the Clippers, while Klay Thompson continues to adjust and young talents like Jaden Hardy and Jazian Gortman impress.

Photo via Dallas Mavericks

LOS ANGELES — The Dallas Mavericks lost 110-96 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night at the newly opened Intuit Dome, marking their third consecutive defeat in preseason play.

While P.J. Washington and Brandon Williams made their preseason debut, key players like Luka Dončić (left calf contusion), Kyrie Irving (rest), Maxi Kleber (left ankle sprain), and Danté Exum (right wrist) were sidelined. The Mavericks used the game to focus on evaluating younger talent like Jaden Hardy and Jazian Gortman, with both guards earning the start nod. Meanwhile, the Clippers played without Kawhi Leonard.

Despite the loss, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd emphasized the importance of staying healthy and giving younger players an opportunity to develop as they prepare for the regular season. "We want to get out of this thing healthy," Kidd said before the game.

Turnovers and What Went Wrong

The game began with a competitive pace as Hardy quickly established himself as a scoring threat for the Mavericks. He scored 9 of the team’s first 12 points, using aggressive drives to the basket to set the tone early. His ability to break down the Clippers' defense helped Dallas build a brief lead in the first quarter.

However, the Clippers responded with defensive intensity, disrupting Dallas’ offensive rhythm through quick rotations and pressure. Despite this, the Mavericks led 26-25 at the end of the opening period, but as the game progressed the Mavericks’ turnover issues became apparent. Dallas committed 29 turnovers, which allowed the Clippers to generate fast-break opportunities and pull away.

“I thought we just played in traffic. Maybe it was the over-dribbling. Give them credit for their deflections; they came up with steals,” Kidd said. “But I thought there were some positives. [Gortman] and Hardy got us off to a good start. For those two young players to start, they were good, and I thought P.J. was good, too.”

James Harden played a key role in facilitating the Clippers’ offense, dishing out 10 assists by halftime. He finished the game with 10 points, 12 assists, and 3 steals, controlling the tempo and setting up teammates for easy baskets. The Clippers led 48-39 with 5:21 left before halftime after Harden found Norman Powell for a 3-pointer, but the Mavericks did make it a three-point game. Los Angeles was up 56-51 at the break but played its best basketball in the second half.

Despite Hardy’s strong start, the Mavericks struggled to contain the Clippers. After Hardy cut the lead to 58-53 with a layup, the Clippers responded with a decisive 15-0 run, extending their lead to as many as 20 points during the third quarter. Quentin Grimes provided a spark for Dallas with a late third-quarter 9-0 run, highlighted by a four-point play and several assists, which reduced the deficit to 7 points. However, the Clippers quickly regained control and maintained their advantage.

Former Maverick Derrick Jones Jr. stood out for Los Angeles, leading the team with 12 points and 4 rebounds while playing solid defense. Ivica Zubac (11 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 steals) and Powell (13 points) added key contributions as the Clippers extended their lead in the second half.

Both teams used the fourth quarter to give low-minute players an extended run. The Clippers cleared their bench with 6:31 remaining, holding a 94-80 lead. The Mavericks made several substitutions, including pulling Dereck Lively II while keeping Naji Marshall on the floor until the 5:10 mark when Jamarion Sharp subbed in.

Grimes Shines Off the Bench