Clippers defeat Mavericks in tough, close game at the Staples Center (1/13)
The Clippers were back home after beating the Lakers last weekend to face the 2011 NBA champion Dallas Mavericks. Dallas hasn’t been the same since they let Tyson Chandler go after 2011 and their captain Dirk Nowitzki isn’t the same player he was back then. He is coming off an injury and only returned recently which has put the team in a rut. Even with veterans Vince Carter, Elton Brand, Chris Kaman and Shawn Marrion and younger players OJ Mayo and speedy point guard Darren Collison, the team lacks chemistry like the Clippers and they appear to be fading out of the playoff picture. They lost Jason Kidd and Jason Terry to free agency and owner Mark Cuban is frustrated and not sure what to do.
The Clippers on the other hand have now won 3 in a row after losing back to back games following their 17 game winning streak. The team is gelling with stellar play from Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and a complete team effort to win 99-93. Caron Butler has contributed nicely and reserves Jamal Crawford, Matt Barnes, Eric Bledsoe, Lamar Odom and Ronny Turiaf make them so deep that it gives the starters great rest late in games. Due back any game now is Grant Hill while Chancey Billups is a bit farther away from returning. Where will they find the minutes for everyone yet keep the chemistry high.
This game was close throughout and Dallas actually built almost a 10 point lead late in the third quarter while LA was cold in shooting. Collison was making spectacular penetration and getting easy baskets until the Clipper defense got better in the 4th quarter. That is when Paul took over as he had a season high 16 assists to go along with his 19 points. Barnes (also 19 points to tie Paul for team high) and Butler made some clutch shots and the home Clippers came away with the victory with balanced scoring from the whole team. Nowitzki made some shots but he was not dominating and that was a big key.
The Maverick reserves were badly outplayed by the home team reserves and Dallas dropped to 13-23 while LA is now 28-8 (best in the NBA). Crawford returned from a foot injury, which really helped the bench as he is one of the top 6th men players of the year so far if not the top one. Coach Vinnie Del Negro was satisfied they pulled this game out but still thinks the team can keep improving. Del Negro may be the All Star Coach if the Clippers record is first or second behind Oklahoma City as their coach, Scott Brooks, coached the team last year so he is not eligible.
Next up for the Clippers is Saturday afternoon vs. Orlando and Hill may make his season debut. For more info and tickets, visit www.nba.com/clippers