UPDATE: In a gripping matchup that unfolded at the Intuit Dome on December 2, 2023, the Los Angeles Clippers fell to the Dallas Mavericks, suffering a tight 114-110 defeat. The loss marks the Clippers’ fourth consecutive setback as they struggle to regain momentum.
The Mavericks entered the game shorthanded, missing five key players, including Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford. Despite this disadvantage and the league’s worst offensive rating, they managed to pull off an unexpected victory, largely thanks to rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, who delivered a standout performance with 35 points.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 30 points, and James Harden contributed 29 points alongside eight rebounds and 11 assists. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Mavericks, who rallied after trailing at halftime and outmaneuvered the Clippers in crunch time.
With just 35 seconds left on the clock, Flagg sank two crucial free throws, followed by a pair from Klay Thompson 19 seconds later, pushing Dallas ahead 110-105. Despite a late dunk from Ivica Zubac, the Clippers could not claw back as Flagg sealed the game with more free throws.
“It starts with everybody, and you have to be able to look yourself in the mirror and see what you can bring better to the team,” said Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue.
The Clippers’ turnover struggles were evident, committing 18 turnovers compared to the Mavericks’ nine. This inefficiency, along with their inability to capitalize on Dallas’ slow start (the Mavericks made just 2 three-pointers in the first half), highlighted ongoing issues for the team. The Clippers squandered an early 10-point lead, showcasing their current vulnerabilities.
With this loss, the Clippers have now dropped 13 of their last 14 games, creating mounting pressure on the team and coaching staff. Their situation is compounded by injuries to starters Bradley Beal and Derrick Jones Jr., with Leonard recently returning from a significant absence.
Lue expressed frustration over the team’s ongoing challenges, stating, “I know we’ve had tough circumstances the last five, six years, but this year it’s been tough. I wouldn’t say far as (it being a level of) frustration. I think our injuries really hurt us. It just put us in a funk that we couldn’t get out of.”
Looking ahead, the Clippers must quickly regroup as they face critical games in the coming week. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can break this troubling streak and find their rhythm on the court.
The Mavericks improve to 6-15 on the season, gaining much-needed momentum as they look to build on this hard-fought win.
