Darius Garland highlighted defense as a key adjustment after the Clippers’ 138-131 overtime victory at Dallas. “Halftime it was just lock in on the defensive end… had to get some stops and overtime it was just go win the game,” he said.
The guard described the challenge of a high-scoring first half. “It was just having a shootout really in the first half… glad we closed it out,” Garland added.
Garland emphasized the importance of playing alongside Kawhi Leonard. “It was pretty cool to see him go to work… I just wanted him to get some catch and shoot opportunities and he got a couple tonight to get him going,” he said.
Reflecting on the team’s approach after the break, he explained, “We just tried to make the first punch… came a time to buckle down on defensive ends.”
Garland dominated the Clippers’ offense, finishing with a season-high 41 points, eight 3-pointers, and 11 assists. He repeatedly attacked Dallas’ pick-and-roll coverage to create scoring chances for himself and teammates.
Leonard provided stability late in regulation, scoring a tying basket with 19 seconds left after the Mavericks briefly seized control. “Having Kawhi out there makes it easier for everyone… we know he can handle those late moments,” Garland said.
Derrick Jones Jr. also contributed, hitting multiple 3-pointers in overtime and finishing with 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Garland acknowledged the importance of team execution in extra time. “Overtime it was just go win the game… we got stops and executed offense,” he said.
The Clippers shot 57% overall and 50% from beyond the arc while recording 33 assists on 51 made baskets. Brook Lopez added 10 points and nine rebounds, and John Collins contributed eight points.
Garland credited defensive adjustments for turning the game. “Had to get some stops… it was time to buckle down on defensive ends,” he said, noting the team’s need to maintain focus across 48 minutes.
The victory snapped a four-game losing streak and moved Los Angeles to 35-36, tying the Portland Trail Blazers for eighth place in the Western Conference, keeping both teams in the play-in tournament race.
