3 takeaways from the Mavericks’ surprising win over the Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks made up for their loss to the LA Clippers on Thursday by defeating them 113-97 in Game 2 on Saturday. Kyrie Irving returned after missing Thursday’s game, and while he didn’t have an efficient night, scoring just 15 points on 6/25 shooting, it helped open things up for the rest of the offense as seven other Mavs reached double figures points scored.

Dallas’ defense was much better in this game, which we’ll get to in a moment, and while their offense could seem tough at times, they made shots when they needed to in the fourth quarter.

Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s win.

READ MORE: Mavericks make up for Thursday loss, down Clippers, 113-97

Dallas’ defense was much better Saturday night, holding the Clippers to 42% from the floor, 27% from three and forcing 17 turnovers. James Harden had seven turnovers and shot just 6/18 from the floor as the Mavs threw different bodies at him throughout the game. The lob passes he found to Ivica Zubac on Thursday were nowhere to be found on Saturday. Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford each had two blocks, and while they picked up fouls, they took good advantage of them.

This game desperately needed some offense from both sides early in the fourth quarter, and Quentin Grimes delivered. He scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth period by shooting 4/4 from the floor, 3/3 from three and 3/3 from the free throw line. The regular Powell tried to tie the score with 13 points, but Dallas was able to outscore LA 39-31 in the fourth quarter and control the game.

The Mavericks had a consistent nine-man rotation in this game with Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber, Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes. All except Kleber were in the double digits. Even if some of them weren’t particularly efficient, it’s extremely important that so many players can contribute at a high level as they miss Luka Doncic in games.

READ MORE: Mavericks have reportedly inquired about trading Nets sharpshooter

Stick with it Mavericks game day for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2024-25 season

Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey continued Twitter