The first boo DeAndre Jordan heard came from a familiar voice.
Longtime Clippers broadcaster Ralph Lawler made the sound as Jordan boarded the team bus Wednesday, preparing the center for the onslaught of fan angst he was sure to hear a few hours later.
"Thank God he laughed," Lawler said later after initiating what might have been the only good-natured exchange Jordan experienced all evening.
Dallas Mavericks fans booed Jordan when he was introduced, stepped to the free throw line, touched the ball, grabbed a rebound, took a lob for a dunk, conducted a halftime interview and, finally, disappeared into a tunnel after it was all over.