Inglewood, CA. — Kawhi Leonard delivered another dominant performance with 34 points as the Los Angeles Clippers regrouped after surrendering a big lead to defeat the Dallas Mavericks 116–103 on Tuesday night.
Leonard knocked down six shots from beyond the arc, extending his streak to 55 consecutive games with at least 20 points. The outing also brought him closer to postseason award eligibility, as he continues to chase the 65-game threshold.
Los Angeles came out firing, opening the game on a 17–0 run and eventually building a 23-point advantage behind sharp shooting and ball movement. But Dallas clawed its way back, using a strong second-quarter push to erase the deficit and briefly take control in the third.
Rookie standout Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks’ charge, finishing with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Marvin Bagley III added 21 points and nine boards off the bench. Dallas was nearly perfect at the free-throw line, converting 25 of 26 attempts.
The Mavericks grabbed a short-lived lead in the third quarter, but Leonard responded with a late scoring burst to put the Clippers back in front heading into the final period. From there, Los Angeles seized control for good, opening the fourth quarter with a decisive 17–0 run that put the game out of reach.
Darius Garland chipped in 22 points for the Clippers, while Derrick Jones Jr. recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Brook Lopez anchored the glass with 11 rebounds.
Dallas also received contributions from Max Christie, who was perfect from the line, and Ryan Nembhard, whose basket briefly gave the Mavericks the lead in the second half.
The Clippers’ strong finish secured their first win over Dallas in three meetings this season.
Up next, the Mavericks head to face the Phoenix Suns, while the Clippers return home to take on the conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.
