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.
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
The content below was originally paywalled.
Grimes delivered a standout performance for the Mavericks, leading the team with 20 points in just 22 minutes off the bench. He shot an efficient 7-of-11 from the field and 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, providing a much-needed spark for Dallas, especially in the second half. Grimes was instrumental in a late third-quarter 9-0 run, highlighted by a four-point play and several assists, cutting the Clippers’ lead to 7 points.
“I feel like I’m just getting more comfortable every day in practice,” Grimes said. “I’m learning how certain guys like to play and getting more familiar with the offense.”
Despite the team’s turnover struggles, Grimes remained focused on taking lessons from the loss and preparing for the next game. “We had a lot of turnovers tonight,” he said. “We’ll go into the next game with the mindset of taking care of the ball, playing defense, and really trying to get a win in our last preseason game.”
Kidd also praised Grimes’ toughness and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. “Looking at his toughness, his ability to defend, his ability to knock down shots, and also make plays for others, I thought Quentin was outstanding tonight,” Kidd said. “He gave us a real spark off the bench.”
Grimes’ performance continued to showcase his growth throughout training camp and preseason, cementing his role as a key contributor off the bench heading into the regular season.
Hardy’s Growth as a Playmaker
Hardy continued to demonstrate his growth as a more complete player in the Mavericks’ system. Against the Clippers, Hardy finished with 16 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds. Over three preseason games, he is averaging 16.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 28.2 minutes, while shooting 45.5% from 3-point range on 7.3 attempts per game.
Kidd has been vocal about Hardy’s evolution as a playmaker, both before and after the game. The Mavericks have worked extensively since he’s been drafted on making passing reads, particularly against low-defender rotations. His progress bodes well for his outlook for playing time early in the season.
“I think when you talk about Jaden’s ability, we all know he can score. But his ability to playmake, to find guys, to throw lobs, and make corner passes – you can see he’s improved in that area,” Kidd explained. “He’s worked extremely hard, and it’s good to see him not just scoring but also being able to create for others.”
With each game, Hardy is working to prove he can be a reliable scorer while also creating opportunities for his teammates. With Exum sidelined for an extended period after undergoing wrist surgery, Hardy’s growth is a necessary development to provide viable backcourt options.
Veteran Struggles: Thompson and Dinwiddie
Klay Thompson struggled to find his rhythm against the Clippers, missing all 9 field goal attempts, including 6 attempts from beyond the arc, in 21 minutes. This performance followed an underwhelming preseason debut against the Utah Jazz, where Thompson shot 3-of-9.
Over two preseason games, Thompson is averaging 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, while shooting just 16.7% from the field and 27.3% from beyond the arc. However, neither Thompson nor the coaching staff is concerned.
“He’s still a superstar, a future Hall of Famer, and he plays the game the right way,” Kidd said. “Klay works extremely hard, and he wants to be involved in every rep, even in his 14th season. It’s a new system for him, but he’s embraced it. His shooting, leadership, and championship experience are things we need, and he’s up for the challenge this season.”
After the game, Kidd reiterated: “It’s preseason. He’s working his way through with a new group from both the defensive end and the offensive end. Be patient, keep working.”
The Mavericks have yet to see Thompson play next to both Dončić and Irving. The team anticipates a highly successful configuration when these three play next to each other due to Thompson’s off-ball prowess and the creation of the superstar backcourt.
“Just those three, the gravity, the playmaking that our quarterbacks can do. And then also Klay can pass, too,” Kidd said. “He understands the gravity of coming off pin-downs [drawing] two to the ball and being able to make the right play. So it just makes the game easier when we have multiple playmakers out there and we believe that he can do that.”
Spencer Dinwiddie also struggled, contributing 3 points on 1-of-5 shooting while committing 3 turnovers. The Clippers’ switching and crossmatching disrupted his ability to run the offense, causing the Mavericks to become stagnant too often without creating advantages. Ideally, Dinwiddie’s ability to score would be a solution. Over three preseason games, Dinwiddie is averaging 5.7 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 26.3% from the field and 37.5% from the perimeter.
Gortman’s Defensive Intensity
Gortman impressed against the Clippers, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, while also providing defensive pressure on Harden. Throughout the preseason, Gortman has averaged 12.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 steals, shooting 50.0% from the field and 53.8% from beyond the arc.
“Jazian’s defensive effort was great tonight,” Kidd said. “He made it hard for their ball-handlers, picking them up full court and really setting the tone with his energy. That’s what we need from him—being a pest on defense and making things difficult.”
Reflecting on his defensive role, Gortman said his focus was on making life difficult for the Clippers’ key decision-makers. “It’s about making them pick up the ball quicker than normal and slowing them down,” he said.
Gortman’s ability to hit open shots and make smart decisions added to his well-rounded performance. However, he still feels there is room for more.
“I feel like I could have been better,” Gortman said. “But it’s all about learning from my mistakes. Just coming out in the next game and being better.”
Throughout preseason play, especially during his 21-point performance against the Memphis Grizzlies, Gortman has displayed impressive shooting ability—whether against a contest or having to be on the move. He’s stayed aggressive attacking downhill within the flow of the offense with a focus on making the right play.
“I just want to show how pesky I am on both ends, taking care of the ball, making good reads, and whenever I’m open, just shooting it,” Gortman said. “That’s been my main goal, and I feel like it’s been going pretty well. I always want to get better—1 percent every day.”
It remains to be seen what the Mavericks will do regarding his contract situation. He’s signed to an Exhibit 10 deal and the team has already signed a maximum of three players to two-way contracts, including Kessler Edwards, A.J. Lawson, and Williams.
Washington’s Preseason Debut
Washington made his preseason debut after recovering from left hip tightness, contributing 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals in 19 minutes of action. His return was a positive sign for the Mavericks, as Washington’s versatility was on display on both ends of the floor.
“Looking at his toughness, his ability to defend, his ability to play-make and also knock down shots, I thought in the time that he played tonight, he was really good,” Kidd said.
Washington’s debut also marked his first chance to play alongside Thompson, as the Mavericks continue building chemistry heading into the regular season.
Lively and Gafford Provide Impact on Both Ends
The Mavericks continue to reap the benefits of their one-two punch at center with Lively and Daniel Gafford. Lively, in 24 minutes of play, recorded 8 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks—checking many boxes of what the team wants from him in his role. Lively has been regarded as a standout throughout training camp and preseason as he enters his second NBA season
Lively has started two of the Mavericks’ three preseason games, offering versatility and defensive reliability as Dallas works toward solidifying its lineup ahead of the regular season. In 18.9 minutes per game, Lively has averaged 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks.
Gafford, meanwhile, continued his impactful play off the bench, adding 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 17 minutes. His energy and physicality in the paint provided the Mavericks with a boost, particularly on the defensive end, where his rim protection has been key. Across three preseason games, he’s averaging 7.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 15.0 minutes per game.
Injury Updates on Dončić and Kleber
Before the game, Kidd provided updates on Dončić and Kleber, both of whom are trending positively ahead of the regular season. Dončić continues to recover from a left calf contusion, while Kleber is working his way back from a left ankle sprain.
“Luka had a good workout today,” Kidd said. “We’re off [Tuesday] and traveling, so hopefully he has another good workout Wednesday. But from everything I’ve seen and everything I’ve been told, he’s doing great.”
Kidd also commented on Kleber’s progress: “Maxi sprained his ankle right before camp. He stepped on someone’s foot and sprained his ankle, but his rehab and everything, he’s doing great. He had a great workout this morning, so he should be, hopefully, ready to go on opening night.”
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks close out their preseason Thursday at home against the Milwaukee Bucks. It remains unclear whether Dončić or Kleber will play. The previously stated plan from Kidd is to use it as a “dress rehearsal” to prepare for the regular season opener on Oct. 24 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Support Dallas Hoops Journal
As an independent Dallas Mavericks reporter, it helps when you sign up for a premium membership to read my most in-depth content. The cost is $10 per month or $100 annually. You can sign up on this link.
More Mavs-Related Reads
Inside Klay Thompson’s Mavericks Debut and Motivation to ‘Prove People Wrong’
Follow on Other Platforms
For more Mavs, NBA, and WNBA coverage, follow Grant Afseth on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Be sure to subscribe on YouTube for content throughout the 2024-25 season.
