BY: ROBERT MORALES – SOA USA CORRESPONDENT
Kawhi Leonard delivered another elite performance, scoring 34 points and knocking down six three-pointers to power the Los Angeles Clippers past the Dallas Mavericks, 116-103, despite surrendering a massive 23-point advantage.
Leonard’s dominance continues to define the Clippers’ late-season push, as he recorded his 55th consecutive game with at least 20 points. The All-Star forward now sits at 62 games played this season and must appear in the final three to meet the 65-game threshold for major postseason awards like MVP and All-NBA honors.
Support came from across the roster, with Darius Garland adding 22 points, while Derrick Jones Jr. contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Brook Lopez anchored the glass with 11 rebounds as the Clippers held firm late.
Dallas, led by rookie standout Cooper Flagg, showed resilience after falling behind early. Flagg finished with 25 points and nine rebounds, a step back from his explosive previous outings. Marvin Bagley III added 21 points off the bench, helping spark a comeback that briefly gave the Mavericks an 80-77 lead in the third quarter.
The Clippers opened the game on a 17-0 run and shot an impressive 68% in the first quarter, building what seemed like an insurmountable lead. However, Dallas responded with a 21-8 surge to tie the game before halftime.
In the closing stretch, Leonard took control, scoring seven crucial points to restore momentum and lead Los Angeles into the fourth quarter ahead. From there, the Clippers put the game away with a decisive scoring run.
With the win, Los Angeles avoids a season sweep by Dallas and builds momentum heading into a crucial matchup against the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.
