Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr. chips tooth, clinches game vs. Clippers

Dallas Mavericks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. had a memorable performance against the LA Clippers on Dec. 2 that involved highs and lows.

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the LA Clippers 114-110 on Sunday evening. It was a hard fought victory for the Mavs who continued their outstanding play at home this season.

The victory was made more impressive by the fact that Luka Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki, and Maxi Kleber all did not play due to injury. It forced some other players to step up, and they did not disappoint.

Harrison Barnes continued his stretch of fantastic play by dropping 30 points and nine rebounds on Sunday. J.J. Barea also scored 24 points off the bench and sparked a Mavs run.

Dennis Smith Jr. produced in the clutch, though. He had a block on Tobias Harris in the final seconds and the game clinching free throws. Check out the swat here courtesy of the Mavs official Twitter.

DENNIS WITH THE SWAT! AND HE SINKS BOTH FREE THROWS! pic.twitter.com/389HJcggAm
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 3, 2018

Coach Carlisle loved it. Here is what he had to say after the game, thanks to Eddie Sefko.

Rick Carlisle on Dennis Smith's block of Tobias Harris and subsequent rebound and free throws. "I thought it was one of the best competitive things I’ve seen in a long time. (Last play), he got switched and blocked the shot, got the rebound and made 2 free throws …winning plays
— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) December 3, 2018

DSJ gets tooth knocked out

It was not all sunshine and rainbows for the Mavericks point guard, though. There was a scramble for the ball in third period that saw Clippers guard Patrick Beverly elbow Smith Jr. and his tooth went flying. Here are the subsequent moments via the Mavs official account.

.@Dennis1SmithJr lost a tooth, but won the jump ball. ? pic.twitter.com/RFiZgQCQcl
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 3, 2018

The injury should not be anything to worry about. DSJ obviously came back in and finished the game. He even had the tooth back in during the postgame presser. That led to an interesting question and answer exchange which fans can read below courtesy of Dwain Price.

So how was Smith's tooth back in his mouth where it belongs during the post game interview session? "It’s magic," Smith said. "For real. My dad used to hang with Dr. Strange, so he do magic." @dallasmavs
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) December 3, 2018

Dennis Smith Jr. on his tooth back in place: "I'm fooling y'all right now, because I knew it was going to be cameras. Whenever its cameras, then its going on social media, and when its social media, it's ladies looking, and when its ladies looking I got to be looking nice."
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) December 3, 2018

Smith Jr. is trying to compete with Dirk for funniest player on the Mavs. The second year point guard played with impressive grit and competitiveness. Hopefully, this game sparks a run for DSJ, and he continues to expand his play.

Keep it tuned to The Smoking Cuban for everything fans need to know about the Dallas Mavericks.

Dallas Mavericks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. had a memorable performance against the LA Clippers on Dec. 2 that involved highs and lows.

DSJ gets tooth knocked out

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