Recap: Mavs Regroup, Annihilate Clippers

 

 

Special Guest Report by Reece Waddell

 

DALLAS, TX—Coming off their worst loss of the season Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Dallas Mavericks (42-25) came out swinging Friday night and routed the Los Angeles Clippers (42-24) by a final of 129-99.

 

Dallas, who has struggled against L.A. this season, was firing on all cylinders from the outset. Chandler Parsons had one of his best games in a Maverick uniform, scoring a game high 22 points on 8/12 shooting. He also added five rebounds, four assists and shot 83% from beyond the arc. Charlie Villanueva, who has come on of strong as of late, provided 19 key points off the bench.

 

The first half was a back and forth affair, with each team trading blows like prize fighter. Dallas, who had its full complement of players for the first time in a month, looked like the team the led the league in scoring the first half of the season. The Mavs shot 60.7 % from the field and 57.1% from three point range and were able to take an all-important 59-51 lead into halftime.

 

The third quarter began with both teams making their first shots, but missing their next three. Rajon Rondo, who has been overall unimpressive since his arrival in Dallas on December 18^th, had a great all- around game. With 7:50 left in the third, Rondo stole an inbounds pass intended for Chris Paul and threw an incredible behind the back pass to Monta Ellis on the wing, who knocked down the 18 foot jumper. This forced the Clippers into a timeout and was really the turning point of the game. The Mavs would end the third period on an 11-4 run and take a 91-78 lead, their largest of the game, into the final frame.

 

The Clippers came unraveled in the fourth quarter, allowing the Mavs to score 38 points and run away with the game. Chris Paul, who had a below average game by his standards, showed his frustration when he was called for a flagrant foul on J.J. Barea. Paul and Barea got tangled up afterwards and seemed to exchange pleasantries, although no technical were issued.

 

 

Next Up

Mavs vs. Thunder on Monday, March 16^th. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at the American Airlines Center

 

Game Notes

Reserve forward Al-Farouq-Aminu did not play tonight after injuring his left shoulder in Tuesday’s loss to Cleveland. He is considered questionable for Monday’s game against OKC.

 

Devin Harris returned to the lineup tonight after missing three games with a bruised right hand.

 

Clippers C DeAndre Jordan, who put up 22 points and 27 rebounds the last time the clubs met, was held in check for most of the night. He ended with 16 points, 18 rebounds, 1 made three pointer and an air ball on a free-throw.

 

The 30 point defeat was the worst loss the Clippers have suffered all season.

 

New Dallas Cowboys, running back Darren McFadden attended tonight’s game.