Luka-Less Mavericks Defeat Clippers with Balanced Scoring in Rematch: “We’re Staying Locked In”
The Dallas Mavericks used a balanced attack to secure a 113-97 victory over the LA Clippers on Saturday night, avenging a loss to the same opponent two days prior. The win pushed Dallas to 18-10 on the season, while the Clippers fell to 16-13, as both teams continue to jockey for position in the crowded Western Conference standings.
Luka Dončić, averaging 28.9 points per game, missed his second consecutive contest with a left heel contusion. Kyrie Irving, who sat out Thursday’s game due to right shoulder soreness, returned to the lineup to provide 15 points and six assists despite a challenging night shooting (6-of-25 FG, 2-of-9 3PT). For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard (right knee injury recovery) and Terance Mann (left finger fracture) were unavailable.
“We have a next-man-up mentality. Injuries or illness don’t stop us,” Mavericks center Dereck Lively II said. “Everyone’s ready to step up and show what they can do. We stay confident and have each other’s backs.”
Dallas Mavericks’ Balanced Scoring Display
The Mavericks’ depth proved pivotal, with eight players scoring in double figures. Quentin Grimes led the way with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Klay Thompson added 16 points, four steals, and efficient shooting (6-of-9 FG, 4-of-6 3PT). Spencer Dinwiddie matched Irving’s scoring output with 15 points and six assists. Naji Marshall (12 points) and P.J. Washington (10 points, seven rebounds) rounded out the scoring.
“When we have that many guys scoring double digits, it makes it tough for the opponent because we can get contributions from everywhere,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “Tonight, it wasn’t just Kai—everyone participated. Guys got good looks. P.J. knocked down some threes for us, and our bigs were really good on both ends.”
The bigs provided a needed impact as Daniel Gafford contributed 13 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, while Lively anchored the paint with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists for his fifth double-double of the season. After giving up 21 points and 15 rebounds to Ivica Zubac in Thursday’s game, Kidd felt the centers provided a better impact. Zubac still had 15 rebounds but scored 13 points.
“The way they played in the first game, we needed a response. Our bigs responded positively and made it hard for them,” Kidd explained. “We forced some turnovers and maybe rushed them a little. They missed shots they made in the first game, and our bigs’ activity and physicality were much better tonight.”
Naji Marshall Sparks Tight Opening Frame
The opening quarter featured a tightly contested battle, with neither team able to build a significant lead. The Clippers aggressively loaded the paint, often doubling Irving to neutralize him, forcing other Mavericks to step up offensively. It took a collective offensive effort for the Mavericks to score against a tough defensive team, especially with Irving struggling to hit shots early.
“We stay aggressive and intense no matter who’s on the floor,” Lively said about how the team handles not playing with Dončić. “If we notice we’re standing around, we remind each other to be aggressive, drive, take shots, and play together.”
Marshall made an early impact off the bench, contributing 7 points in the first quarter, including a corner three and a contested layup. His energy on both ends of the floor provided a much-needed spark.
“That’s just what I do, man,” Marshall said. “Shooter, energy guy. Bring it on the defensive end, and don’t leave me open.”
James Harden and Norman Powell paced the Clippers with 7 points each. Powell attacked often in the halfcourt, while Harden controlled the tempo with patient ball-handling and mid-range jumpers. However, Los Angeles’ backcourt combined for 47 points on the night but shot 14-of-40 overall and 5-of-20 from beyond the arc with eight turnovers. Dallas loaded up on their off-the-dribble shots and often made them face a fly-by on the catch to disrupt rhythm while funneling into rim protection on drives, often resulting in tough floaters being taken.
“Just playing Mavericks basketball, what we’ve been doing for most of the season,” Marshall said about the team’s defensive execution. “We got back to it tonight, and the results are the results.”
By the end of the first quarter, Dallas held a narrow 23-22 lead after Marshall’s mid-range jumper capped the period.
Spencer Dinwiddie and Klay Thompson Fuel Second-Quarter Surge
The Mavericks began to separate in the second quarter, outscoring the Clippers 31-18. Dinwiddie orchestrated the offense, repeatedly attacking the Clippers’ ICE coverage to finish in the lane or find open shooters. His 6-of-6 performance at the free-throw line was crucial during the Mavericks’ surge.
Thompson found his rhythm from deep, drilling a pair of threes and adding a steal that led to a fast-break layup. “We stayed aggressive,” Dinwiddie said. “Even when shots weren’t falling for us, we kept attacking the rim and creating chances at the line.”
Lively loomed large in the paint, anchoring the defense while flashing his passing ability on the offensive end. “It’s about making the right read,” Lively said. “Kai draws so much attention, it opens things up for the rest of us.”
By halftime, Dallas held a 54-40 lead, limiting the Clippers to just 22.2% shooting in the second quarter.
LA Clippers Fight Back, But Dallas Mavericks Respond
The Clippers came out strong in the third quarter behind Powell, who led all scorers with 28 points. Powell drilled back-to-back threes and added a putback, trimming the Mavericks’ lead to 61-56 with 6:31 left in the frame.
However, Marshall and Gafford answered with timely baskets to hold the Clippers at bay. Marshall knocked down a contested three from the wing, while Gafford threw down a dunk off a baseline cut.
“We didn’t give up a big third quarter, which was an issue in the last game,” Kidd explained. “Rebounding and taking care of the ball were big for us, as well as keeping them out of transition.”
Despite the Clippers’ push, Dallas entered the fourth quarter with a 74-66 lead.
Quentin Grimes Dominates Fourth Quarter
Quentin Grimes took over in the fourth, scoring 14 of his 20 points in a three-minute stretch that effectively ended the contest. Grimes drilled consecutive threes before being fouled on another attempt, converting all three free throws.
“Ball finds energy,” Grimes said. “My teammates were pulling for me. They’re all excited for you more than you are yourself.”
Grimes extended the Mavericks’ lead to 95-80 with just over seven minutes to play. Late buckets from Thompson and Irving sealed the win, while Dinwiddie’s clutch free throws ensured the Clippers never threatened in the final minutes.
“Grimes was great, both on the defensive and offensive end,” Kidd said. “Guys were finding him, he was knocking down shots, and he was being aggressive. He sparked us during that 39-point fourth quarter.”
Dallas Mavericks’ Bench Depth and Defense Key to Victory
Dallas’ bench outscored the Clippers’ reserves 46-24, with Marshall, Gafford, and Grimes providing critical production. Washington chipped in with 10 points and 7 rebounds, playing a key role in defending multiple positions.
“It’s just trusting the pass, trusting the person who’s going to make the next play,” Lively said about the collective effort. “We all try to go out and score and play Mavs basketball.”
The Mavericks held the Clippers under 100 points for the sixth time this season, improving to 6-0 in those games. Harden and Porter Jr. each scored 19 points, but the Clippers struggled to generate offense late, shooting just 27% from deep (10-of-37).
“We were talking to one another, no matter if they were making shots, missing shots, we were together,” Lively said.
Compared to recent years, the Mavericks improved to 6-2 when Dončić doesn’t play, showcasing significant growth at handling these situations without their superstar. The Mavericks are confident they can hold it down without him until he’s ready to return from injury.
“It shows Luka doesn’t have to carry the weight all the time,” Lively said. “He can rest, get right, and know the team has his back. We don’t want him worn down, and we’ll hold it down until he’s 100%.”
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks continue their homestand Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Dončić’s status remains day-to-day, but Dallas’ depth continues to shine.
“We’re staying locked in,” Marshall said. “This is our livelihood, and we’ll enjoy it after the job is done.”
The Clippers are finishing their road trip against the Memphis Grizzlies. They are looking to bounce back and strengthen their standing in the West.
