Mavericks at Clippers
THE STORY: In addition to trying to get along without superstar point guard Chris Paul, the Los Angeles Clippers seem to be fighting their long, woeful history. They were out of sorts in a 108-79 loss at Utah on Tuesday night, falling to 1-38 all-time at EnergySolutions Arena. The Clippers return home Wednesday night to complete their third game in three consecutive days against defending champion Dallas, another team Los Angeles has struggled against. The Clippers have not defeated the Mavericks in the regular season since Nov. 9, 2008, losing 10 in a row. Dallas lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 73-70 on Monday night as Derek Fisher made a deep 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds remaining. “We competed well in the game, but you have to make more plays on the road against a team like this,” Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. “We had a lot of opportunities we didn't cash in on.”
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (8-6): Vince Carter limped off the court after missing the final shot at the buzzer Monday against the Lakers. He said he heard a “pop” but was still able to get the shot off. “I saw it was on line,” he said, “but after I let it go, I fell down and didn’t see it.” X-rays taken at Staples Center showed no break. Carter left on crutches and his status for tonight is unknown.
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (7-4): Mo Williams, Paul’s backup, was out against Utah with a sore right foot for the third consecutive game. Coach Vinny Del Negro said Williams could return as soon as tonight against the Mavericks or Friday against Minnesota. Williams averages 16.1 points in 18 career games against the Mavericks, his second-highest scoring average against any opponent. The Clippers were completely outplayed in transition at Utah, with the Jazz owning a 27-8 edge in fast-break points. Utah also had a 56-34 edge in points in the paint.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Mavericks have won 10 straight and 16 of the last 17 meetings with the Clippers.
2. Dirk Nowitzki averaged 20.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in four meetings against the Clippers last season.
3. The Mavericks held their third consecutive opponent to under 40 percent from the field, keeping the Lakers to 38.2 percent (29 of 76).