Porzingis scores 30, Dallas falls to LA Clippers 126-111

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Dallas Mavericks 126-111 on Thursday night.

Paul George scored 24 points and Ivica Zubac added 21 points on 10-for-10 shooting and 15 rebounds for the Clippers, who strengthened their hold on the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference standings. The Clippers entered the night a just half game ahead of Denver in the standings, but they shot 54% against the Mavericks to improve to 2-2 in the restart.

Kristaps Porzingis scored 30 points and Luka Doncic added 29 for Dallas, which fell to 1-3 in the restart. Doncic was coming off a monster game — 34 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

The Clippers led Dallas by 12 in the third quarter before the Mavericks rallied and tied the game at 101 midway through the fourth. Los Angeles responded with a 9-0 run to regain control. The Clippers shot 62% in the fourth quarter to pull away.

TIP-INS

Clippers: Patrick Beverley out with a left calf strain. He was injured against Phoenix on Tuesday. … Outrebounded the Mavericks 45-37. … Marcus Morris had 16 points on 5 for 7 shooting.

Mavericks: Seth Curry sat out his second straight game with a right leg injury. … Made 17 of 48 3-pointers.

UP NEXT

Clippers: Play the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday.

Mavericks: Play the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.