DALLAS — In a notable performance, Quentin Grimes contributed significantly off the bench with 20 points, including 14 in a decisive fourth quarter, helping the Mavericks secure a 113-97 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night. This win was particularly impressive as Dallas was without their star player Luka Doncic, who is currently sidelined due to a left heel contusion, marking his second consecutive absence.
Doncic, who ranks fifth in the league with an impressive average of 28.9 points per game, was unable to play, which thrust other players into more prominent roles. Klay Thompson added 16 points, while Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie both chipped in with 15 points each. Irving, Dallas’ second-leading scorer averaging 23.9 points per game, had missed the previous game due to shoulder pain.
Grimes’ standout moments came during a critical stretch in the fourth quarter when he nailed back-to-back 3-pointers. Following that, he was fouled while attempting a 3-point shot, successfully converting all three free throws to further extend the Mavericks’ lead. For the Clippers, Norman Powell erupted for 28 points, but despite his efforts, the team concluded a two-game series in Dallas with a split. Teammates James Harden and Kevin Porter Jr. added 19 points each to the scoreboard.
A pivotal part of the game occurred in the second quarter, where the Mavericks outscored the Clippers 31-18, going into halftime with a comfortable 14-point cushion, leading 54-40. During this span, Dallas shot 47.8% from the field, in stark contrast to the Clippers’ 22.2% shooting accuracy.
Looking at individual performances, Clippers center Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds, marking his 19th of the season. Additionally, Harden’s scoring achievement saw him surpass Tim Duncan, placing him 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with a career total of 26,503 points. On the Mavericks’ side, Dereck Lively II also made an impact with 11 points and 11 rebounds, aiding the team in improving their record to 6-2 during Doncic’s absence.
A key moment in the game came when Irving managed to turn around a challenging night shooting. After starting 1-for-10 and missing all three of his 3-point attempts, he eventually connected on a second-chance 3-pointer with just over a minute left in the first half. From then on, he shot 5 of 15, including two 3-pointers.
A noteworthy statistic was the Mavericks’ dominance in bench scoring, outpacing the Clippers 46-24, a feat led by Grimes along with Daniel Gafford contributing 13 points and Naji Marshall adding 12.
Looking ahead, the Clippers are set to complete a three-game road trip on Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Mavericks will be hosting the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a four-game homestand.