UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Los Angeles Clippers fell to the Dallas Mavericks 114-110 on December 2, 2023, despite strong performances from their stars. The defeat marks the Clippers’ fourth consecutive loss, extending their struggles this season.
Compounding their woes, the Clippers faced a Mavericks team missing five key players, including star Anthony Davis. However, rookie sensation Cooper Flagg stepped up, scoring an impressive 35 points, including crucial free throws late in the game.
The game was tightly contested at Intuit Dome, with the Clippers initially leading by ten points. But the Mavericks, despite struggling with just two 3-pointers in the first half, roared back after halftime. They closed a seven-point deficit and took advantage of the Clippers’ 18 turnovers, ultimately securing their sixth victory of the season.
With just 35 seconds left, Flagg’s two free throws pushed the Mavericks ahead 110-105. A last-minute effort from Clippers center Ivica Zubac, who scored with 10 seconds remaining, was not enough to shift momentum. Flagg capped off the game with two additional free throws, sealing the Clippers’ fate and marking their 13th loss in 14 games.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 30 points, while James Harden added 29 points and 11 assists, showcasing their talent but failing to overcome the team’s evident flaws. Head Coach Tyronn Lue expressed his frustration, stating, “It starts with everybody, and you have to be able to look yourself in the mirror and see what you can bring better to the team.”
The Clippers’ struggles are compounded by injuries to key players like Bradley Beal and Derrick Jones Jr., putting immense pressure on the team. Lue acknowledged the impact of these absences: “I think our injuries really hurt us… it just put us in a funk that we couldn’t get out of.”
As the Clippers continue to grapple with their performance, they must regroup quickly. The urgent question remains: Can they turn their season around before it’s too late? The next few games will be critical as the team seeks to halt this alarming slide.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Clippers attempt to regain their footing in the league.
