After a big win in San Antonio, Tobias Harris and the LA Clippers will look to keep their momentum rolling tonight against the Dallas Mavericks.
On Sunday night, the LA Clippers put together one of their best wins of the season against the San Antonio Spurs.
In a 103-95 victory at the AT&T Center, the Clippers were led by Tobias Harris and Patrick Beverley in the absences of Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams. Harris, seizing a playmaking role, dished out a career-high nine assists to go along with nine rebounds and 27 points. Beverley, in his first start since the middle of November, went off for 18 points, 12 rebounds, five assists four steals.
Without two of their top three scorers, many believed the Clippers would leave with what would’ve been their sixth straight loss. Instead, the team will carry some enormous momentum into Dallas against a team that’s very good at home.
In their last outing in Dallas, the Clippers fell to the Mavericks by a final of 114-110. It was the first of many games that the Clippers would go on to lose in the month of December, and in some ways can be looked at as the turning point of the young season.
The Clippers have gone just 10-14 since that loss after starting the season going 15-6. A redemption-style win, then, is one that could help LA go back to their winning ways.
Assuming the team uses the same lineup that began the game against San Antonio, the Clippers will have more than a few positional advantages.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be considered an even matchup for Dennis Smith Jr, and his length should help him defend the second-year guard that should be returning to the starting rotation.
It may also be wise for the Clippers to play Beverley on Luka Doncic, depending on who else joins him in the Mavs’ rotation.
The biggest matchup for Clippers fans to watch for will be between DeAndre Jordan and Montrezl Harrell. In two games this season against Dallas, Harrell has averaged 20.5 points and eight rebounds per game. Assuming he brings his usual effort, Jordan may struggle to contain him.
Gallinari will continue to sit tonight with back spasms, so expect Avery Bradley to start in his place. Williams will be returning, but will play on a minutes restriction.
The LA Clippers will take the floor against the Dallas Mavericks tonight at 5:30 PM PST.