March 23, 2017

Harrison Barnes made a jumper with 1:06 left, and the Mavericks beat the Clippers 97-95 on Thursday night in Dallas.

Barnes also picked up a steal off of Blake Griffin in the final seconds to help secure the win.  Wesley Matthews made a free throw with under a second left to play, and then J.J. Redick missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer, which would have won the game for LA.

“We had a great shot on the last play,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. “That was great execution, and it was a 3, would have been a game-winner. Make, miss, we will live with that.”

Griffin scored 21 points on the night, despite missing his last 3 shots.  DeAndre Jordan had 14 points and 18 rebounds, Chris Paul scored 15, and Austin Rivers had 13.

The Clips went on a big 22-4 run at the end of the 1st half to take a 54-48 lead at halftime.  The Mavericks went on a 13-2 run to start the 3rd quarter, and took a 79-77 into the 4th quarter.

Seth Curry led the Mavs with 23 points and Harrison Barnes added 21.  The Clippers had their 3- game win streak snapped.

The Clips fell 1.5 games behind the Jazz for 4th place in the Western Conference.  The Jazz will come to Staples Center on Saturday to take on the Clippers.  It will be the first of a 3-game home stand.