Kawhi Leonard’s 30-point performance propelled the Los Angeles Clippers to a 120-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, marking their ninth consecutive win and the NBA’s longest active win streak. This streak ties the league’s high for the season and is the Clippers’ longest since the 2015-16 season.
Norman Powell stepped up from the bench with 21 points, filling in for Paul George (illness). James Harden contributed 17 points and 11 assists, solidifying his role since joining the Clippers from Philadelphia. Since a losing streak following Harden’s acquisition, the Clippers have improved significantly, now standing at 14-3.
“It’s going to take time for them to find the rhythm, find the continuity, find the chemistry,” Powell said. “It’s no summer league, summertime pickup basketball where you’re doing whatever you want. There’s a system in place, and everybody’s got to figure out their role and how it goes.”
Luka Doncic of the Mavericks ended his franchise-record streak of 11 games with at least 30 points, scoring 28 without All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, who is sidelined with a bruised right heel. Doncic also recorded his sixth triple-double of the season.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Clippers’ improved cohesion was evident late in the fourth quarter when Leonard, who also had 10 rebounds, scored key points and assisted Powell in a crucial three-point play. This effort was part of a 9-0 run that cemented the Clippers’ victory.
Amir Coffey contributed 12 points, starting in place of George. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 21 points on the Mavericks’ side, and Derrick Jones Jr. added 19. The Mavericks also deal with injuries to rookie center Dereck Lively II and guard Josh Green. Thanks to Hardaway’s efforts, Dallas attempted a comeback from a 22-point deficit, notably narrowing the gap to 11 points at halftime.
“When you’re short-handed, you’ve got to make shots,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “We started to make shots there at the end of the second.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Looking ahead, the Clippers are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a back-to-back game, concluding their three-game trip. The Mavericks will play against the Houston Rockets, who recently had an 11-game home winning streak halted.
