Shorthanded Clippers Hang Tough, but Ultimately Fall Just Short to Mavericks
By: John Read

Eric Gordon’s career-high 32 points carried the Los Angeles Clippers to the brink of victory before the Dallas Mavericks (21-13) overcame a five-point deficit in the final two minutes to claim victory, 107-102.

Toward the end of the first quarter, Josh Howard’s 3-point field goal attempt bounced high into the air before falling softly through the net, giving the Mavericks a 17-point advantage. At that point, the Mavericks appeared destined for a victory against a Clippers team that was playing without the services of usual starters Baron Davis and Zach Randolph.

The Clippers hung tough and managed to outscore the mavericks 48-43 in the second half. After taking a 101-96 lead and most of the momentum late in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles failed to convert in their final possessions and allowed the Mavericks to finish the game on an 11-1 run.

Dirk Nowitzki converted a high-arching 11-foot basket from the top of the key to reclaim a slim one-point lead with 37 seconds remaining in regulation. After one final Mavericks’ stop and a Jason Terry field goal on the ensuring possession, Dallas was able to escape with a hard-fought win.

Mavericks forward Josh Howard finished the night with 22 points (10-20 FGs) and after the game he spoke about the toughness of the shorthanded Clippers.

"This was a feisty Clippers team,” Howard said. “Those guys came out and competed with us. They are a tough team and we were fortunate to come out with a victory.”

Clippers standout rookie guard Gordon allowed Los Angeles to keep the game competitive early in the contest by scoring 23 of his season-high 32 points (9-18 FG) in the first half.

Al Thornton recorded 17 of his 25 points in the second half, including a 24-foot jump shot from the top of the key which gave the Clippers a five point advantage, their largest of the night.

The Mavericks offense was met with little resistance in the first half. Dallas matched a season high with 64 first half points on 53.1% (26-49 FG) shooting from the field.

Ultimately, the depth on the Mavericks proved to be the difference. The Mavs’ bench outscored the Clippers’ reserves 31-7. In just over 24 minutes of action, Brandon Bass led the Mavericks’ subs by finishing the night with 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field.

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle echoed Josh Howard’s sentiments about the toughness of the Clippers and was pleased to just escape with a victory.

“We had to really fight to win the game,” Carlisle commented. "It's a great win and the Clippers are a dangerous team. We were lucky to get some baskets at the end from Dirk (Nowitzki) and JET (Terry) and most importantly we got the stops we needed at the end.”

Before heading out on a three-game Western Conference road trip, the Mavericks will host the reinvigorated New York Knicks Thursday at the American Airlines Center. The Knicks travel to Big D after knocking off the first place Boston Celtics on Sunday night.

Individual game tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 214-747-MAVS or by visiting MAVS.com.