James Harden recorded 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, including four clutch points in the second overtime, to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 133-127 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Friday. The win snapped a six-game losing streak and improved the Clippers’ NBA Cup record to 2-0.
Ivica Zubac added a season-high 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 21 off the bench with five 3-pointers. Los Angeles capitalized on key late possessions and limited Dallas’ scoring opportunities down the stretch.
Naji Marshall and D’Angelo Russell led the Mavericks with 28 points each, despite Dallas missing Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington Jr. Dereck Lively II returned from injury, posting four points and five rebounds off the bench.
Harden opened the first overtime with two 3-pointers and added a driving basket after free throws to give the Clippers a 129-125 lead with 3:07 left in the second extra period. A potential goaltending call on a Harden shot in the first overtime was overturned after video review, keeping the game tied.
The Clippers’ bench played a pivotal role, with Zubac and Bogdanovic providing critical scoring and rebounding support. Harden’s leadership on both ends allowed Los Angeles to maintain control in the final minutes, overcoming the Mavericks’ late rallies.
Dallas shot 44% from the field and 28% from three-point range, while the Clippers converted 45-of-95 field goals and 30-of-36 free throws. Turnovers and missed opportunities in crunch time hindered the Mavericks’ chances to force a third overtime.
The Clippers (4-8) will visit Boston on Sunday, while Dallas (3-10) hosts Portland to close their four-game homestand. The victory gives Los Angeles momentum as they try to rebound from an early-season slump, while the Mavericks aim to regroup after dropping three straight games.
