In order to bounce back from the disappointment of the day before against the Pelicans, Tyronn Lue modifies his five major by starting Marcus Morris in place of Nicolas Batum.
And Markieff’s twin brother started this meeting well by scoring 7 points in the first quarter. The Clippers show a much better face than the day before, all the players of the five major contribute to the scoring, except Reggie Jackson, and the teammates of Kawhi Leonard inflict a 10-0 in Dallas to start ideally (14-10).
Among the Mavericks, we are witnessing a sharing of the ball. Luka Doncic assists and Jalen Brunson brings his spark off the bench. But unfortunately for them, Los Angeles manages the period better overall and concludes this first quarter time ahead of the scoreboard (31-23).
Eye-catching Mavs
The gap stabilizes around 5 to 7 points in favor of the Clippers with two teams who answer each other blow for blow. While we think that Dallas is coming back, under the leadership of its Slovenian leader who continues the distribution of caviars, the Los Angeles replacements led by Nicolas Batum (12 points) or Patrick Patterson keep watch until the time out taken by the Texas franchise (41-36).
Back on the floor, the Mavericks get closer. Luka Doncic perfectly finds Willy Cauley-Stein in the air and Josh Richardson scores six points in a row. On the other side, the teammates of Paul George (15 points) stammer their offensive game, even if the contribution of Reggie Jackson (12 points) as well as that of Markieff Morris (14 points) gives a small cushion in advance to half-time (55-50).
Like Kristaps Porzingis’ 13 points (22 points) in the third quarter, the Mavs play well but fail to get back in front, which leaves the possibility for Los Angeles to regain its distance. Kawhi Leonard takes care of the creation and finds his partners such as Nicolas Batum, always as effective in the corners.
In addition to the Latvian heatstroke, Dallas relies on a very skillful Tim Hardaway Jr. (21 points) tonight behind the arc, but despite some fit players, Dallas still can’t get past. At the end of the third quarter, Luka Doncic’s teammates are still running behind while we do not particularly feel them below, except that the effectiveness of the Clippers makes the difference for the moment (85-78).
Kawhi Leonard in the oven and in the mill
In order to afford a prestigious victory, Dallas continues to push through Tim Hardaway Jr, but as from the beginning, as soon as Rick Carlisle’s men try to come back, Los Angeles scores the basket which gives the air, like that of Paul George allowing visitors to be relegated to three possessions apart.
And who says last quarter says moment reserved for the stars. Luka Doncic, well supported by Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr, struggles to offer victory to his team but in front of him, Kawhi Leonard takes matters in hand. The double champion raises the tone in defense on interception, as in attack where he takes all shots with more or less success. But in this end of the game finally mastered by Los Angeles, it is Paul George who is responsible for putting an end to the hopes of Dallas by scoring 3-points on the head of Luka Doncic (109-99).
It was not the most successful game for the Clippers but the contract is fulfilled with a 26th win of the season. On the side of Dallas, we are preparing for the return match scheduled for Wednesday evening.
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