Mavericks Triumph Over Clippers Despite Doncic’s Absence
The Dallas Mavericks secured a decisive 113-97 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night, showcasing their depth and resilience even without their star player, Luka Doncic.
Doncic, who currently ranks fifth in the NBA with an impressive 28.9 points per game average, sat out his second consecutive game due to a left heel bruise. His absence was felt, but the Mavericks stepped up, with eight players reaching double figures in scoring.
Quentin Grimes emerged as a key contributor, pouring in 20 points off the bench, including a scorching 14 points in the final quarter. Grimes’ performance was highlighted by a sequence where he sank back-to-back three-pointers before drawing a foul on a subsequent attempt,calmly converting all three free throws.
Klay Thompson added 16 points to the Mavericks’ tally, while Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie each chipped in 15. Notably, Irving, Dallas’ second-leading scorer averaging 23.9 points per game, returned to the lineup after missing the previous game due to shoulder soreness.
The Clippers, who split their two-game series in Dallas, were led by Norman Powell’s 28 points. James Harden and kevin Porter Jr. contributed 19 points apiece.
Dallas dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Clippers 31-18 and establishing a 54-40 halftime lead. The Mavericks’ superior shooting percentage of 47.8% compared to the Clippers’ 22.2% played a meaningful role in their commanding performance.
Looking ahead, the clippers will conclude their three-game road trip with a matchup against the memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will continue their four-game homestand, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers.
Mavericks Prove Depth Without Doncic: An Interview with Coach Becky Hammon
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off an notable 113-97 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night, proving they have the depth and talent to win even without their superstar Luka Doncic. To break down this impressive win and discuss what it means for the Mavericks moving forward, we are joined by six-time WNBA All-Star and former NBA assistant coach, Becky Hammon.
Coach Hammon, welcome to the show! What were your initial reactions to the Mavericks’ performance against the Clippers?
Coach Hammon: it was a statement win, no question. Going up against a team like the clippers without Doncic, who is obviously a huge piece of their offense, and still dominating like they did says a lot about the depth and talent on this roster.
Absolutely. And Quentin Grimes stepping up in Doncic’s absence with 20 points, including that fiery fourth quarter, was particularly impressive.do you think this type of performance bodes well for the Mavericks’ bench moving forward?
Coach Hammon: I think so. Grimes has shown flashes of brilliance all season, and this game highlights his potential. It’s great to see him step into a bigger role and deliver like that. It shows the depth and resilience of this team. What was especially impressive was the distributed scoring; eight players in double figures!
That’s a key point. With Doncic out, it wasn’t just Grimes who shone. you had Klay Thompson with 16, Kyrie Irving back from injury with 15, and Spencer Dinwiddie adding another 15. It really showcased a team effort.
Coach Hammon: Exactly! That’s what championship teams are built on. It’s not about relying on one superstar. It’s about everyone contributing and stepping up when called upon.
Speaking of championship aspirations,the Mavericks are currently in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.How much of a boost do you think this win is for their confidence heading into the latter part of the season?
Coach hammon: This type of win against a quality opponent like the Clippers, even without Doncic, is huge for their confidence. It proves they can compete with anyone when they play together and execute their game plan. They have the offensive firepower, and their defense looked solid as well, holding the Clippers to just 97 points.
Now, let’s open it up to our readers. What are your thoughts on the Mavericks’ performance? Do you believe they can be contenders without Doncic for extended periods?
