Dirk Nowitzki leads Dallas Mavericks to 106-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers
Dirk Nowitzki scored a team-high 24 points as the Dallas Mavericks edged past the Los Angeles Clippers 106-100 at the Staples Centre on Wednesday night.
The result marked the Mavericks fifth consecutive victory. In addition to that, Dallas is leading the National Basketball Association (NBA) in road wins this season with a record of 27-10. The Clippers on the other hand, are already out of the play-off battle
and are sitting in 12th position in the Western Conference.
Guard Jose Barea came off the bench with 22 points, six assists and two rebounds for the Mavericks, who have won seven of their last 10 games. Forward Peja Stojakovic had 11 points while Shawn Marion chipped in with 10 points and nine rebounds in the victory.
Clippers forward Blake Griffin added a game-high 25 points and pulled down 17 rebounds for Los Angeles. Griffin did all he could as he also registered his 57th double-double of the season for the Clippers. Mo Williams tallied 19 points and five assists,
while Eric Gordon finished with 15 points and five assists in the defeat.
Centre Chris Kaman and guard Randy Foye contributed 12 points each for the Clippers, who have lost six of their last 10 games.
Match Analysis
The Clippers went on a 13-4 run early in the first quarter and extended their lead to 23-10 with just over three minutes to go in the quarter. However, the Mavericks cut the deficit to 28-23 after 12 minutes. Dallas got their hot shooting touch back in the
second quarter, outscored Los Angeles 25-18, and carried a 48-46 advantage into the locker room.
The Clippers made a comeback at the start of the third quarter and converted the two-point half time deficit into a 62-59 with less than eight minutes remaining in the quarter. The Mavericks then turned things around and got some nice shots from Stojakovic
and Nowitzki to take a 75-70 lead into the final stanza.
Smith hit a pair of free throws to start the fourth quarter to make it a two-point contest at 75-73, but Nowitzki pushed Dallas’ lead into double figures (90-80) by making one of two free throws with six minutes remaining. The Mavericks maintained their
lead down the stretch to seal another road victory.
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