Mavs Fight Clips To Wild Finish In Los Angeles

 

As the seconds dwindled to a close, Harrison Barnes demonstrated again why he continues to be a valuable asset for the Dallas Mavericks moving forward.

 

GAME SUMMARY:

 

Barnes led the team in scoring throughout the second half. But was his last basket in the closing seconds that secured the Mavs’ victory, 90-88, over the Clippers in Los Angeles. The victory improves Dallas to 9-21 on the season. 

 

Despite shooting 24 percent from three, the Mavs equalized their offensive deficiencies by winning the rebounding battle (52-48). Dallas also outscored Los Angeles 42-24 in the paint, which includes Barnes’ go-ahead basket.

 

Carlisle: "You get the ball in the hands of your best player & you give him the opportunity to win the game. And that's what Harrison did."

— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) December 24, 2016

 

Barnes finished with 24 points while Dirk Nowitzki added 17 and 4 rebounds. Deron Williams and Wes Matthews round out Mavs’ double-figure scorers. 

 

Williams finished with 12 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds. Matthews contributed 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals and a block in the victory.

 

FINAL: #Mavs win 90-88@hbarnes – 24 pts, 6 rebs@swish41 – 17 pts, 4 rebs@WessyWes23 – 16 pts, 6 rebs@DeronWilliams – 12 pts, 9 ast

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) December 24, 2016

 

INJURY REPORT:

 

Dallas welcomed Nowitzki back to game action, starting the 7-footer at center in his return. But he remained on a minutes restriction throughout the contest, appearing solely in the first half.

 

Rick Carlisle says Dirk Nowitzki did intervals on the treadmill during the 2nd half to stimulate action after playing 15 mins. #DALatLAC

— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) December 24, 2016

 

J.J. Barea and Andrew Bogut remain on the Mavs’ injury report, as neither appeared in Friday’s victory.

 

Devin Harris exited the Clippers’ contest during the third quarter after being poked in the eye. Despite swelling, Harris expects to play against New Orleans on Monday, according to Earl Sneed of Mavs.com.

 

Devin Harris says he will see the doctor tomorrow to have his right eye examined, but he doesn't believe it will sideline him. It's swollen.

— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) December 24, 2016

 

UP NEXT:

 

The Mavs return to action against the Pelicans at 7 p.m. on Monday in New Orleans. Dallas won the last meeting against its Southwest divisional foes, 91-81, in November.

 

.@hbarnes nets the game winner ON THE ROAD to put @dallasmavs ahead for GOOD, 90-88, over @LAClippers. #DALatLAC #MFFL pic.twitter.com/RdMN1XDbhx

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) December 24, 2016