Clippers experienced a 51-point defeat against Mavericks in absence of Kawhi Leonard
Luka Doncic almost had a triple-double with 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, Josh Richardson scored 21 points, grabbed three rebounds and shot 50% from the perimeter and the Dallas Mavericks preponderated 124–73 against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
“There’s no huge secret,” Richardson said. “We just got up and played well. We played with a sense of urgency.”
The Clippers trailed 77–27 at halftime, with their 50-point deficit being the largest at the break in the shot-clock era, which began in 1954–55.
“The challenge is to maintain that level of competitiveness,” Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle said referring to the fact that his team did a great job staying consistent in the second half. “Our guys established a standard for collective toughness and will that we need to find a way to maintain.”
Paul George led the Clippers with 15 points playing only in the first half. Kawhi Leonard missed the game since he suffered a lacerated mouth two days ago in a win against Denver.
George took the blame for the loss: “I take full responsibility. Tough game… I take full ownership of that. Our group will be ready… We got our butts kicked… We weren’t ready, wasn’t prepared, not from the plan, being ready to go… that’s on me.”
Serge Ibaka had 13 points and nine rebounds and Ivan Zubac had 10 points.
Reggie Jackson stated that they’ll treat this as one of 72, as they would after a *win or a loss: “I believe you have to do that in a win or a loss. Reflect, watch a little film, find positions we can get better. This one was “like having a terrible day in life.” It happens.
This loss gave a huge pain to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer who sat through the entirety of this 124–73 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He didn’t leave his courtside seat until after the Clippers left the court.
NEXT GAMES
Mavericks will have their home opener Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. against Charlotte. Clippers will host the Timberwolves on Tuesday.