Clippers Dominate, Defeat Mavericks With Ease
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 114-99, at American Airlines Center on Tuesday night.
The Mavericks (11-6) entered this game as one of the hottest teams in The Association, but they couldn't defeat the Clippers (13-5), who looked quite comfortable throughout the entire contest. In fact, Los Angeles jumped to a 34-27 lead following the first quarter and they would never look back. A 28-19 score in the second quarter essentially sealed the deal for Los Angeles, and despite Dallas' efforts to turn things around, but they were unable to do so after the break. The third quarter ended 31-31 and even though Dallas won the final 12 minutes by just one point (22-21), the Clippers closed this out rather comfortably. With the win, the Clippers moved to 2-4 on the road while Dallas fell to 6-4 at home.
Kawhi Leonard was the best player for the Clippers since he ended with 28 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Paul George had a strong showing as well, ending with 26 points, six steals, four rebounds and two dimes. Ivica Zubac had 11 points and seven rebounds. Lou Williams thrived off the bench with 21 points, six boards and six assists in 33 minutes of action. Montrezl Harrell added 12 points and seven boards.
Luka Doncic was the best player for Dallas since he had 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Dwight Powell had 10 points. J.J. Barea and Seth Curry looked decent off the bench and both topped the 10-point mark. While Barea had 12 points, Curry chipped in with 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
The Mavericks (11-6) entered this game as one of the hottest teams in The Association, but they couldn't defeat the Clippers (13-5), who looked quite comfortable throughout the entire contest. In fact, Los Angeles jumped to a 34-27 lead following the first quarter and they would never look back. A 28-19 score in the second quarter essentially sealed the deal for Los Angeles, and despite Dallas' efforts to turn things around, but they were unable to do so after the break. The third quarter ended 31-31 and even though Dallas won the final 12 minutes by just one point (22-21), the Clippers closed this out rather comfortably. With the win, the Clippers moved to 2-4 on the road while Dallas fell to 6-4 at home.
Kawhi Leonard was the best player for the Clippers since he ended with 28 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Paul George had a strong showing as well, ending with 26 points, six steals, four rebounds and two dimes. Ivica Zubac had 11 points and seven rebounds. Lou Williams thrived off the bench with 21 points, six boards and six assists in 33 minutes of action. Montrezl Harrell added 12 points and seven boards.
Luka Doncic was the best player for Dallas since he had 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Dwight Powell had 10 points. J.J. Barea and Seth Curry looked decent off the bench and both topped the 10-point mark. While Barea had 12 points, Curry chipped in with 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
Nuggets Defeat Wizards, 117-104
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 117-104, at Pepsi Center on Tuesday.
While there were four ties and 11 lead changes in the first 15 minutes of this game, that was the only time it stayed close. In fact, the Nuggets rode a 39-24 second quarter to a 17-point lead, leading by at least 11 points for the entirety of the second half. Denver dominated the boards, out-rebounding Washington, 58-36. In addition, the Nuggets shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Wizards to 42 percent shooting. They also doubled them up in blocks, 6-3.
The Wizards (5-10) were led by Jordan McRae, who provided 21 points, three rebounds and three assists off the bench. Bradley Beal led the starters with 14 points, four rebounds and six assists. Troy Brown amassed 12 points, four rebounds and two assists while Thomas Bryant accrued 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Nuggets (13-3) were led by Will Barton, who accumulated 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Jamal Murray finished with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Nikola Jokic tallied eight points, 20 rebounds and five assists while Jerami Grant led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and two steals.
On deck for the Wizards is another road game against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. As for Denver, they're off until Saturday when they travel to face the Sacramento Kings.
While there were four ties and 11 lead changes in the first 15 minutes of this game, that was the only time it stayed close. In fact, the Nuggets rode a 39-24 second quarter to a 17-point lead, leading by at least 11 points for the entirety of the second half. Denver dominated the boards, out-rebounding Washington, 58-36. In addition, the Nuggets shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Wizards to 42 percent shooting. They also doubled them up in blocks, 6-3.
The Wizards (5-10) were led by Jordan McRae, who provided 21 points, three rebounds and three assists off the bench. Bradley Beal led the starters with 14 points, four rebounds and six assists. Troy Brown amassed 12 points, four rebounds and two assists while Thomas Bryant accrued 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Nuggets (13-3) were led by Will Barton, who accumulated 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Jamal Murray finished with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Nikola Jokic tallied eight points, 20 rebounds and five assists while Jerami Grant led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and two steals.
On deck for the Wizards is another road game against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. As for Denver, they're off until Saturday when they travel to face the Sacramento Kings.