MyDallasMavs: Mavs Get the Season Series Sweep Over the Clippers

Despite coming into this game vs the Clippers on a four-game losing streak, the Mavs held on to an optimistic attitude. Dallas was looking for a four-game season series sweep against the Clippers and their 16th win of the last 17 games vs them. After having much success in beating the Clippers in previous match-ups, this time was not that easy but they did manage to finally add another game to the win column.

Carlisle rested Jason Kidd for a second straight game and Chandler returned to the court after sitting out two games with a lower back contusion, but Haywood started in his place. Carlisle also decided to start Corey Brewer at the 2 spot, after his 13-point game off the bench on Wednesday.

Brewer scored the team's first six points but the Clippers took an early lead which eventually lead to a technical on Carlisle, after he was getting frustrated. After the Mavs missed countless baskets, LA took advantage and pushed their lead to 35-19 to end the first quarter. The Clippers outshot the Mavs in the first quarter 65% to 27%.

In the second quarter, Brewer tried once again to carry the Mavs on his shoulders as Marion then joined him to try and help the Mavs make a comeback. The Mavs looked much better this quarter offensively, cutting the deficit to just 6 to be down 54-47 at halftime.

At the half, the Clippers outshot the Mavs 53% to 42%. Corey Brewer had 14 points in the first half, keeping the Mavs in the game despite Griffin and Williams' 15 points each.

The second half started with conflicts arising on the Mavs' bench involving Terry, which led to him sitting out the rest of the game. From this point on, the Mavs worked together to gain a lead as large as 12. Dallas' energy was much better in the third quarter and they started playing in a team effort. But despite their efforts, LA came back shortly after to tie the game, before Chandler tipped in a basket at the buzzer to end the third up 77-75.

The Fourth quarter went well for the Mavs, as Peja hit two 3-pointers to extend the Mavs' consecutive games streak with a 3-pointer to 1,017. Although the Mavs took the lead, the Clippers didn't let the Mavs pull away. Dallas eventually extended their lead to 13 with a 14-2 run led by Dirk and Barea in the final 2 minutes of game play. They held onto the lead till the end to win it 107-96.

This game was a tough one, but I think I speak for everyone when I say it feels good to finally have another one in the win column. About tonight's win, Carlisle responded:

“We struggled early, and we really didn’t get going until things got heated, and that’s not good. Our response from there forward was terrific,” Carlisle said. “Everyone who played off the bench made significant contributions. Dirk was great. I thought Stojakovic, who didn’t get in the first half because of how well Brewer was playing, when his number was called he went in and hit two or three 3-pointers and a few other timely shots. He was terrific. [DeShawn] Stevenson came in there when Brewer needed a rest, played great defense and hit a big 3. A lot of the guys stepped up. [Brandon] Haywood was terrific, Tyson Chandler I thought gave us what he could, [Ian] Mahinmi was active and made some good things happen when he was in. It was a good win.”

The Mavericks outshot the Clippers 50.6% to 50% and outscored them in the second half, 60-42. Although the Mavs went just 4 for 15 from beyond the 3-point line, they out-rebounded LA 42-36 and forced 22 Clipper turnovers to gain 28 points. The Mavs also outscored the Clippers in the paint, 58-42 as well as in fast-break points, 25-16.

This game was one of Brewers best in his career, totaling 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Dirk also added 20 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Chandler racked up 15 points and 7 rebounds while Marion had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Barea finished with 15 points and Peja added 10 of his own.

Williams led the Clippers with 29 points while Griffin finished with 23 points and 9 rebounds. Gordon racked up 11 points while Smith and Jordan added 9 a piece.

Next, the Mavs will have their final back-to-back of the season starting Sunday night against the Phoenix Suns. Dallas leads that seasons series 3-0.