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Dallas Mavericks Struggle Late, Lose To New-Look Clippers 104-101

By Emmanuel Dixon

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Avery Bradley #11 of the Los Angeles Clippers scores a basket against Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Staples Center on February 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Avery Bradley #11 of the Los Angeles Clippers scores a basket against Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Staples Center on February 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks suffered a late-game meltdown, as the L.A. Clippers completed a fourth quarter comeback to win 104-101.

The Dallas Mavericks continued their road trip Monday night, as they visited the new-look L.A. Clippers. Dallas failed to hold on to a late fourth quarter lead, falling to L.A. 104-101.

This was the first time Dallas has faced the newly-assembled Clippers.

L.A. completed a blockbuster deal with the Detroit Pistons, on January 29, swapping Blake Griffin, Brice Johnson and Willie Reed for Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic and a 2018 first-round draft pick.

For Dallas, they were without their leading scorer, Harrison Barnes, as he is nursing a sore ankle.

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 05: Dallas Mavericks Guard Dennis Smith Jr. (1) drives past Los Angeles Clippers Guard Lou Williams (23) during an NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 05: Dallas Mavericks Guard Dennis Smith Jr. (1) drives past Los Angeles Clippers Guard Lou Williams (23) during an NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Breakdown

The first half was a back-and-forth battle, resulting in a 58-55 Clippers lead at halftime.

Dallas managed to create separation in the third quarter, thanks to 12 points from Wes Matthews–all from long-range.

Following a Matthews three-pointer, Dallas held a 101-91 lead at the 4:42 mark of the final period. That’s where the game took a drastic turn.

One missed shot after another, Dallas quickly lost steam and all momentum. Led by seven points from Danilo Gallinari, L.A. went on a spirited 13-0 run to close out the game and drop Dallas back to last place in the Western Conference.

SACRAMENTO, CA – FEBRUARY 3: Sneakers of Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks during game against the Sacramento Kings on February 3, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – FEBRUARY 3: Sneakers of Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks during game against the Sacramento Kings on February 3, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Mavericks

Matthews did his best to put Dallas in position to win, scoring a team-high 23 points, including seven three-pointers. The sharpshooting wingman also dished out five assists, coupled with two blocks and a steal.

Devin Harris stepped up big, chipping in 16 points as Dwight Powell added eight points and a team-high 10 rebounds.

Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Smith Jr. and J.J. Barea finished with 12 points apiece.

For Dirk, the highlight of the night came in the second quarter, when he became the sixth player to log 50,000 career minutes. Nowitzki now ranks fifth all-time, passing Elvin Hayes.

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 5: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 5: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on February 5, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Clippers

Gallinari scored a game-high 28 points on 69.2 percent shooting–4-5 from long-range–to go along with five rebounds.

Lou Williams added 15 points, four rebounds and a game-high eight assists. Deandre Jordan was his normal self, producing six points, a game-high13 rebounds, two blocks and a steal.

The pair of new Clippers played exceptionally well, on both ends of the court.

Harris registered 19 points, five rebounds and three steals while Bradley put together 12 points, three rebounds and three steals.

Next Up

Dallas continues its road trip Thursday, as they visit the Golden State Warriors. This will be the final meeting of the season. The Warriors walked away with a narrow 125-122 victory in the previous matchup, back on January 3.

Next: Let's Make A Deal: Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers

Game time is at 10:30 p.m. ET. As always, go Mavs!

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