LOS ANGELES — Despite being quickly traded from the Brooklyn Nets on Monday for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and three draft picks, Irving added five assists and four rebounds in 37 minutes just two nights later.
The Mavericks tied their series with the Clippers 2-2 and went on an early 13-0 spurt in the game without their top scorer Luka Doncic, who sat out with a heel injury.
Tim Hardaway Jr. followed Irving in points for Dallas with 19, then Reggie Bullock who scored 18. For the Clippers, Norman Powell led the team with 24 points while Terrance Mann and Kawhi Leonard added 21 and 20 respectively.
Coming off of a 4-2 road trip, the Clippers were unable to catch a lead and got within five four times, but the Mavericks held them off.
Dallas’s offense quickly adapted to changes in their roster, shooting 52.6% from the floor and 48.6% from 3-point range. Their defense kept Los Angeles at 44.2% and 36.4%.
Immediately after the game more trade deadline news broke regarding Irving’s former teammate Kevin Durant being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Listen to his reaction here.
Wednesday’s conference matchup brought the Mavericks up to fourth (30-26) in the west and bumped the Clippers down from fourth to sixth (31-27).
Mavericks fans can hope to see the duo of Irving and Doncic as soon as Friday as Dallas takes on the Sacramento Kings. The Clippers will have a chance to climb back up in the standings that same night as they remain at home to face the Milwaukee Bucks.