Cooper Flagg posted a season-high 35 points and grabbed eight rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks edged the Los Angeles Clippers 114-110 on Saturday at the Intuit Dome. Klay Thompson scored 17 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, hitting four 3-pointers to give Dallas the lead for good with 1:51 remaining.
Flagg went 13-for-22 from the field in just his 20th career game, surpassing his previous high of 29 points set against New Orleans on November 21. Naji Marshall contributed 18 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Williams added 14 points and seven assists for Dallas, which snapped a three-game losing streak.
The Mavericks trailed much of the third quarter before Thompson hit back-to-back 3-pointers to spark a 13-2 run, giving Dallas an 87-83 edge early in the fourth. Los Angeles briefly regained the lead, 103-101, on a 3-pointer from John Collins, but Thompson responded immediately with his sixth triple to put Dallas ahead, 104-103. Flagg made six free throws in the final 1:20 to seal the victory.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 30 points and eight rebounds, while James Harden recorded 29 points, 11 assists, and eight boards. John Collins scored 21, and Ivica Zubac added 19 points with 11 rebounds, but Los Angeles dropped its fourth consecutive game and has now lost seven straight at home since Halloween.
Flagg was dominant early, scoring 21 points by halftime, including a turnaround fadeaway during a 15-2 Mavericks run that briefly gave Dallas a 33-28 lead in the second quarter. Consecutive baskets from Leonard helped the Clippers regain momentum and extend their advantage to 47-38 before the Mavericks regrouped.
Dallas forced 18 turnovers and converted them into 20 points, a key factor in overcoming a Clippers team that shot 46% from the field. The win improves the Mavericks to 6-15, while Los Angeles falls to 5-15.
The Mavericks will travel to face the Denver Nuggets on Monday, while the Clippers visit the Miami Heat the same night.
