Norman Powell delivered a standout performance with 29 points as the Los Angeles Clippers cruised to a 118-95 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night.
The Mavericks, missing star guards Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, struggled to keep pace in the first of a two-game series that concludes Saturday night.
Dončić, sidelined with a left heel contusion, and Irving, nursing right shoulder soreness, left Dallas searching for offensive answers. First-year Maverick Klay Thompson stepped up with 22 points in his first game leading the team in scoring, while Spencer Dinwiddie added 19 in his first start of the season. However, it wasn’t enough to match the Clippers’ depth and efficiency.
James Harden added 24 points and was a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line for Los Angeles, while Ivica Zubac dominated inside with 21 points and 15 rebounds. The Clippers pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Mavericks 39-28 and shooting an impressive 69.6% from the field during the period.
The game took a physical turn late in the third quarter when Clippers guard Kris Dunn was ejected for a flagrant-2 foul on Jazian Gortman. Despite the disruption, Los Angeles maintained control and carried a comfortable lead into the final quarter.
The Mavericks’ offense sputtered without their star backcourt duo. Dallas shot just 23.3% (7-for-30) from beyond the arc, marking season lows in both makes and percentage. The absence of Dončić and Irving, who average a combined 52.8 points per game, was glaring as the Mavericks recorded their most lopsided loss of the season and a season-low point total.
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For Los Angeles, Powell’s contributions were pivotal. The veteran guard scored 10 of his 12 first-half points in the second quarter and provided consistent scoring throughout the game. Harden’s flawless performance from the free-throw line and Zubac’s second-half resurgence anchored the Clippers’ effort.
The turning point came midway through the third quarter. After a runner by P.J. Washington cut the Clippers’ lead to 73-68, Zubac sparked a 12-1 run with a thunderous dunk. During that stretch, the Mavericks missed all four of their field-goal attempts, allowing Los Angeles to extend its lead and take control of the game.
Bench Production in Clippers’ Win
Bench production was another key factor for the Clippers, who outscored the Mavericks’ reserves 33-16. The depth and versatility of Los Angeles’ lineup proved too much for Dallas to handle, especially without their top playmakers.
Dallas, now 5-2 without Dončić and 1-2 without Irving this season, faces mounting challenges as they navigate the remainder of the series. The team will need more consistent contributions from role players like Thompson and Dinwiddie to compete against tougher competition.
The Clippers’ win bolstered their position in a competitive Western Conference race. With Powell, Harden, and Zubac firing on all cylinders, Los Angeles showcased its ability to dominate against depleted opponents and capitalize on mismatches.
As the two teams prepare for Saturday’s rematch, the Mavericks will aim to regroup and adjust while the Clippers look to secure the series sweep. The final two meetings between the teams will take place in a back-to-back set at Los Angeles in early April, setting the stage for potentially impactful games late in the season.
For the Clippers, Thursday’s win was a statement of their depth and balance, while the Mavericks were left searching for answers in the absence of their stars.