via Imago
Dec 27, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Luke Kennard (5) passes the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Dec 27, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Luke Kennard (5) passes the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Mavericks had a rough start to the 2020-21 NBA season. The team dropped consecutive games to the Phoenix Suns and the LA Lakers. As a result, many were worried about their approach against the LA Clippers.
The Clippers beat the Lakers on opening night and looked to be one of the most threatening teams this season. Well, that isn’t how it turned out.
The Clippers without Kawhi Leonard were absolutely humiliated by the Mavs. Dallas led the Clips by 50 points at the half with the scoreline looking 72-22. The Clips would lose the game by 51 points which is their worst in franchise history.
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The Clippers' 51-point loss is their worst in team history. Their other 50-point loss came on December 2, 1988 at the SuperSonics.
This is the Mavericks' 2nd-largest win in franchise history. They won by 53 against the 76ers on Nov. 13, 2014. pic.twitter.com/PSGd0OV6EY
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 27, 2020
One of the architects of the win was obviously the prodigal superstar Luka Doncic. Doncic led the Mavs from the front as usual and didn’t really put up the spectacular numbers we saw him put up against the Clips in the Playoffs. But it got the job done and was way more than what any starter for the Clippers did today.
Luka Doncic scored or assisted on 44 points today for the Mavericks. The Clippers' starters combined to score 41 points total.
The Mavs maintained a lead of at least 40 points for the final 31:11 of the game today. That is the longest stretch by any team over the last 25 seasons pic.twitter.com/2p8cdjNruw
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 27, 2020
While the Mavs may be a streaky team, there is no way the Clippers can justify being beaten like this in a regular-season game. Especially one against a Conference rival.
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Dallas Mavericks proving they are real contenders?
Many people go blue in the face talking about how the Mavs would have beaten the dysfunctional Clippers in the first round last season. They lost Kristaps Porzingis to a controversial ejection in game one and then for the rest of the series with an injury. Doncic put up historic numbers and took the series to 6 games in his playoff debut.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 27, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley (21) as he drives to the basket in the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
They came with revenge on their mind while the Clippers seemed to be going through the motions. That was certainly a bad idea when you face a hungry squad that is young like the Mavs are.
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Luka Doncic has set the stage for his third NBA season to have the same fireworks seasons one and two had. Hopefully, they can build off this statement win.
