Clippers Hold Off Mavericks, Boost Playoff Push

Injury reports tilt the balance

The Clippers entered the game with a relatively clean bill of health. Aside from Isaiah Jackson’s ankle sprain, the only absences were the expected sidelining of Bradley Beal and Yanic Konan Niederhauser. Dallas, by contrast, was still dealing with a thin roster after a grueling stretch.

Recent form fuels Dallas’ optimism

The Mavericks (25‑53) snapped a 13‑game losing streak with a win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Coach KFAA said the team hopes to capture back‑to‑back victories in Los Angeles, a rare feat given the city’s two NBA franchises.

Game recap: Leonard leads the way

In Inglewood, Kawhi Leonard erupted for 34 points, including six three‑pointers, as the Clippers turned a 23‑point lead into a 116‑103 victory. Rookie Cooper Flagg logged significant minutes for Dallas, but the Mavericks could not contain Leonard’s late‑game surge. The win improves Los Angeles to 40‑38 and keeps its playoff hopes alive, while Dallas remains entrenched near the bottom of the Western Conference.