Sun Dec 22 01:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Mavericks Face Clippers Without Dončić and Irving for First Time This Season

**DALLAS (AP)** — The Dallas Mavericks will face the Los Angeles Clippers tonight without their star duo, Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, for the first time this season. Dončić is sidelined with a left heel contusion suffered during Sunday’s win against the Golden State Warriors, where he recorded his 80th career triple-double. Irving is out due to right shoulder soreness.

While the Mavericks have a respectable record without either player individually (5-1 without Dončić, 1-1 without Irving), tonight’s game marks a significant challenge. Dončić, last season’s NBA scoring champion, averages 28.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists this season. Irving contributes an average of 23.9 points. Combined, the two guards average approximately 53 points per game.

The Mavericks enter the game on a 12-2 run following their only losing streak of the season. The team’s recent success will be tested against the Clippers in the absence of their two leading scorers. The game promises to be a key test of the Mavericks’ depth and resilience.

Read More