Clippers Unravel in a Big Hurry

The Dallas Mavericks needed only four minutes to show why they are headed to the playoffs and the Clippers are not.

After Quentin Richardson’s long-distance shooting helped the Clippers cut a 14-point second-half deficit to a three-point Dallas lead with 4 minutes 18 seconds remaining, the Mavericks turned up their defense and made clutch shots down the stretch to win going away, 101-88, Sunday in front of 18,388 in Staples Center.

“It’s tough right now because we’re struggling,” said swingman Corey Maggette about the Clippers’ fourth consecutive defeat. “I think this should be a situation where we’re playing to go into playoffs and getting ready to do a lot of good things, but it’s clear that it’s not our time yet.”

Dirk Nowitzki was the dominant player for the Mavericks, scoring a game-high 34 points on 12-for-23 shooting from the field. Nowitzki had 15 rebounds.

Dallas, which won its second road game in as many nights, also received a big effort from point guard Steve Nash, who finished with 16 points and 11 assists. Nash was at his best in the final stages, scoring seven points with two assists in leading the Mavericks to a 13-3 run to close the game.

“We just had some things go against us,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

“We defended them well but they still made shots. That’s what they do. I thought in the third quarter we made a run and in the fourth quarter our defense was good. We forced them into some tough shots and we were able to get back in the game.

“But as [the Mavericks] do, if you turn the ball over or if they get the rebound and get guys out on the break, they make you pay the price.”

Before the game, the Mavericks were the NBA’s second highest-scoring team at 103.7 points per game. But they were one of the worst defensive teams, giving up 99.9 points, which is better than only Orlando.

Dallas shot 45.2% and the Clippers shot 36.9%.

“I don’t know what it is but the Clippers have given us trouble ever since I came to the Mavericks,” said Nowitzki, who made 10 of 12 free throws. “Tonight, we just played well as a team and had guys step up in their roles in the fourth quarter.”

One player was backup big man Eduardo Najera, who finished with eight rebounds and four points. After the Clippers cut Dallas’ lead to 88-85, Najera made a key block on Maggette, drew a charging foul on Bobby Simmons and scored a fastbreak layup.

“This was a dog fight,” Dallas Coach Don Nelson said. “We got hot at the right time.”

For the Clippers, they struggled on a night in which Elton Brand finished with only five points.

Brand, who had 10 rebounds, had trouble finishing against the Mavericks’ sagging defense, making only two of 11 field-goal tries.

Richardson led the Clippers with 32 points and Maggette finished with 25.

For Dunleavy, it’s all about the future now. Before the start of Sunday’s game, he addressed some things that he wanted changed.

“If we don’t have a practice facility by the start of the 2005-06 season, I’m going to be one unhappy camper,” Dunleavy said. “I’ll be seriously disappointed.”

And when Andy Roeser, the Clippers’ executive vice president, entered Dunleavy’s office, the coach continued: “When I came here you promised me that. Remember? And, I’m holding you to that.”