LOS ANGELES — Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 33 points, Norman Powell added 27 and the Los Angeles Clippers snapped a six-game losing streak Tuesday night with a 113-101 victory over the Dallas Mavericks despite 43 points from Luka Doncic.
It’s the fourth time in the past five games Leonard has scored at least 24 points. He got off to a quick start with 11 in the first quarter as the Clippers led throughout.
Doncic, who sat out Sunday against Oklahoma City due to left ankle soreness, missed four of his first five shots and had 12 points on 3-of-9 shooting in the first half before getting hot.
The NBA’s leading scorer had 20 points in the fourth quarter and got the Mavericks within 104-96 on a 3-pointer with 2:50 remaining, but Leonard answered with a 3 of his own to push the margin back to double digits.
Doncic responded with another jumper from beyond the arc before Leonard was fouled on a 3-point attempt from the corner. Leonard hit all three free throws to make it 110-99 with 1:40 remaining.
The Clippers had a 35-33 lead in the second quarter before going on a 27-9 run over a seven-minute span as Powell led the way with 11 points.
PHOTOS: Leonard, Clippers hold off Doncic, Mavs to snap 6-game skid
Los Angeles went into halftime with its largest lead of the game at 69-47.
SCARY MOMENT
Midway through the third quarter, Doncic got bumped while chasing a loose ball, lost his balance and did a somersault over the first row of courtside seats before he landed on his shoulder. He quickly returned to the court.
TIP-INS
Mavericks: Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 16 points and Spencer Dinwiddie added 13. … Dwight Powell bruised his right hip during the first half and did not return.
Clippers: Terance Mann added 12 points. … Leonard tied a season high in rebounds with nine. … Marcus Morris Sr. scored 10 of his 12 points in the first quarter. … Ivica Zubac (eight points) ended up playing only 15 minutes after he picked up his third foul with 7:23 remaining in the first quarter.
UP NEXT
Mavericks: Remain in Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Thursday.
Clippers: Host the Denver Nuggets on Friday.
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