Rapid Fire: Dismal Third Quarter Leads To Mavericks Third Straight Loss

 

The Dallas Mavericks nightmare schedule that lies ahead of them for the next three weeks got off to a promising start Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, but like most promises it was left broken. 

 

After leading 52-50 at the half, the Mavericks (33-31) allowed Chris Paul to put on a clinic in the third quarter, scoring 18 of his 27 points leading the Clippers (41-21) to a 109-90 win. The win column continues to stay dry as the Mavs have now lost three straight games.

 

Returning to Dallas a second time, DeAndre Jordan made his presence known recording a double-double by halftime with 16 points and 12 rebounds. He would finish the game with 23 points and 20 rebounds. 

 

Rick Carlisle after DeAndre Jordan's 23-point, 20-rebound night: "Now you know why we wanted him."

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) March 8, 2016

 

Dirk Nowitzki started off hot with 10 points, shooting 4-of-6 from the field, then went cold missing his next six shots. It wasn’t until the final seconds on the second quarter that Nowitzki tipped the ball in to give the Mavericks the two-point advantage at the half. 

 

At the half, Dallas out rebounded Los Angeles 31-23 which helped keep them in the game while shooting 39% in the first two quarters. 

 

After having foul trouble in the first half, Paul came out blazing in the third quarter hitting two quick shots, followed by a J.J Redick three ball. 

 

Nowitzki and Paul would trade buckets until the game was tied up at 65-all with 4:37 remaining in the third quarter. That’s when the Maverick bus that had been driving fairly well would breakdown. 

 

The Mavericks would only score three points for the remainder of the quarter, allowing the clippers to score 18 points. Taking an 83-68 lead into the fourth. 

 

Paul would continue his dominance into the fourth quarter, finishing the game with 27 points, four rebounds, and seven assists. 

 

 

Nowitzki went 9-of-19 from the field scoring 22 points; David Lee was the only other Mav in double figures with 13 points and eight rebounds. 

 

The struggle continues this season for the Mavericks as they drop to 9-21 against teams with winning records. It will only get tougher as their next eight opponents are all above the .500 mark. 

 

American Airlines Center will be rocking Wednesday as the Mavericks host the Detroit Pistons. Tip-off will take place at 7:30 p.m. CT, catch it on Fox Sports Southwest.