Deborah Walker
Nov 11, 2023 - 08:05

Luka Doncic 44 Points Lead Dallas Mavericks to Dominant 144-126 Win Over LA Clippers

Doncic, Irving lead Mavericks to 144-126 rout of Clippers in NBA In-Season Tournament game. Clippers lose third straight since Harden joined.

Luka Doncic had an incredible performance, scoring 44 points and leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 144-126 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in an NBA In-Season Tournament game. This was the Clippers' third consecutive loss since James Harden joined their lineup.

Doncic was impressive, making 17 of 21 field goals, including 6 of 9 from 3-point range. Kyrie Irving also had a great game, contributing 27 points and hitting 5 of 8 3-pointers. This win improved Dallas' record to 1-1 in the tournament after an initial loss at Denver.

Doncic emphasized that it wasn't just about him and Irving, but the entire team contributing to the victory. He highlighted the importance of defensive stops and everyone's involvement in the game.

The Mavericks took control of the game with a dominant second period, outscoring the Clippers 47-18. They went on a 33-4 run in the first half, including a 17-point streak. Their largest lead was 32 points in the third period, and they reached a season-high total of 100 points with 4 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.

Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 26 points, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. Harden, who recently joined the team, had 14 points, all in the first quarter. He acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to a new team without a training camp or preseason.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of finding the right lineup to support Harden and maximize his potential on the court. He mentioned the need to have a big man alongside Harden to optimize his pick and roll plays.

The game started with the Clippers taking an early lead, but the Mavericks quickly turned things around and dominated the first half, leading 77-51. This was a significant improvement from their previous game, where they suffered their first home loss of the season.

Overall, this game was a great rebound for the Mavericks, and coach Jason Kidd credited Doncic and Irving for setting the tone. Despite not playing on their special tournament court due to a manufacturing issue, the Mavericks delivered an outstanding performance and secured a convincing victory over the Clippers.