The Clippers worked hard to get the ball into the post, especially in the first half, but the Mavericks took that option away by playing stifling defense. In 12 post-up possessions, L.A. walked away with just 8 points. The Mavs played excellent defense on the block, and more importantly did so without fouling.
The Mavs outscored the Clippers 31-24 in the third quarter, extending the lead to 14 at one point. Dallas scored 1.409 points per possession in the frame, a positively blistering rate. The club shot 68.4 percent in frame, thanks in large part to Dirk Nowitzki’s sizzling shooting.