NBA: Luka Doncic scores 44 points, Mavericks blast Clippers

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after hitting a 3-point basket against Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

DALLAS — Luka Doncic scored 44 points and the Dallas Mavericks routed the Los Angeles Clippers 144-126 on Friday night in an NBA In-Season Tournament game, the Clippers’ third straight loss since James Harden joined the lineup.

Doncic was 17 of 21 from the field, going 6 of 9 from 3-point range. Kyrie Irving added 27 points, hitting 5 of 8 3-pointers, to help Dallas improve to 1-1 in the tournament after an opening loss at Denver.

Luka Doncic couldn't be stopped in the Mavericks' West Group B win over the Clippers 😤

🔥 44 PTS
🔥 6 REB
🔥 6 AST

Mavericks move to 1-1 in West Group B play!

The @dallasmavs third NBA In-Season Tournament game is Tuesday, 11/14 vs. NOP on the NBA App pic.twitter.com/qPEPaRf7xo

— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2023

The Mavericks took control with a 47-18 second period and a 33-4 run in the first half that included 17 consecutive points, eight to finish the first quarter and nine to begin the second quarter. Their largest lead was 32 points early in the third period. They reached 100 points with 4 1/2 minutes in the third and finished with their highest point total of the season.

Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 26 points in their tournament opener. Harden, who joined the team last week following the Nov. 1 trade from Philadelphia, had 14 points — all in the first quarter. Russell Westbrook also had 14.

The Clippers scored the first eight points and led 31-19 before the Mavericks took over. Dallas led 77-51 at the half, 10 points more than its previous highest-scoring first half.

UP NEXT

Clippers: Host Memphis on Sunday.

Mavericks: At New Orleans on Sunday night for a regular game and Tuesday night for a tournament game.