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In one of the most unbelievable games in recent memory, the Dallas Mavericks routed the LA Clippers in historic fashion with a 124-73 victory. The game shattered some of the NBA’s most infamous records as Paul George failed to carry the load for teammate Kawhi Leonard, who missed this game due to injury.
ESPN Stats & Info and the Elias Sports Bureau Twitter accounts brought to light some of the statistical milestones that were reached when the Mavericks outshot and outplayed the Clippers, who appeared to be lacking focus from the opening tip.
Here are 5 historic stats from the unbelievable game between the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers:
5. Largest halftime lead in NBA history
To achieve this historic blowout, two things had to be present – the Dallas Mavericks had to be shooting well and the LA Clippers had to shoot poorly. Both fell in place on Sunday night as the Mavericks outscored the Clippers 77-27 in the half.
It’s almost unthinkable that a team could build a 50-point lead in just two quarters, but the Dallas Mavericks did it and made history. The Mavericks shot 58% from the field in the opening half, compared to 24% by the LA Clippers.
According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, the 10 players who Mavs coach Rick Carlisle inserted in the first half had a plus-minus of +20 or better. That's insane.
4. The Dallas Mavericks became the first NBA team to outscore an opponent by 50 points over any two-quarter span in a game
Gaining a 25-point lead two quarters in a row against any professional basketball team is just mind-boggling. Some might say it’s impossible, and yet the Dallas Mavericks did just that against the LA Clippers by outscoring them by 50 points over a two-quarter span in the first half.
Fans must be wondering what kind of alcoholic drink LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer gave his team for the holidays because the 50-point halftime lead is so bizarre that it’s like a nightmarish Christmas dream.
3. The LA Clippers suffered their worst loss in team history.
For a franchise that’s been known for its ineptitude during the course of its history, the LA Clippers have made great strides in changing its culture and climate during the last decade.
Sunday was a painful reminder of those horrible days as the 51-point drubbing the LA Clippers received from the Dallas Mavericks was their biggest loss in franchise history. That’s much worse than what any Clippers team from the '80s suffered. Those are painful memories to relive for longtime Clippers fans like Billy Crystal.
2. The Dallas Mavericks had their second-largest win in team history
Now for some good news… for the Dallas Mavericks, that is.
The Mavericks’ 51-point victory over the LA Clippers is their second-biggest winning margin in team history. That’s almost as good as what the Dirk Nowitzki-led Mavs accomplished back in 2014.
Luka Doncic orchestrated this win to perfection and he didn’t have to play a whole lot, either. He played 26 minutes and had 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
For a team that was looking for its first win of the season, the Mavericks were absolutely determined to take down whoever was in their way on Sunday. Unfortunately for the Clippers, they were not ready for what was coming.
1. The Dallas Mavericks kept their 40-point lead for the longest stretch over the last 25 seasons
Mainatining a 40-point lead over more than 30 minutes is an incredible testament to the Dallas Mavericks’ focus throughout the game. They never let up and kept pouring in the points. At the same time, the LA Clippers kept missing shot after shot.
Luka Doncic played a near-perfect game to be able to lead his team to this astounding win. If this is a preview of things to come for the Mavericks, then other teams need to be warned – and they have been.
Also read: 5 reasons why Luka Doncic will become the face of the NBA over the next decade
