The Dallas Mavericks built a historic 50-point halftime lead en route to demolishing the LA Clippers 124-73 on Sunday.
The Mavericks’ 77-27 halftime lead at Staples Center topped the previous mark for biggest halftime lead in an NBA game — 47 points by the Golden State Warriors over the Sacramento Kings in November 1991, according to Elias Sports Bureau research.
The Mavericks (1-2) led by 57 at one point and maintained a lead of at least 40 points for the final 31 minutes, 11 seconds, the longest stretch by any team over the past 25 seasons, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information.
“We showed who we are,” said Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic, who had 24 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists in 26 minutes. “People judged us off the first two games of the season. It’s a long season, but we’ve got to keep going like that. We’ve got to play defense. That’s our specialty from now on.”
The Clippers (2-1) hope they won’t be judged by the worst loss in franchise history. The 51-point defeat surpassed a 50-point loss to the Seattle SuperSonics in December 1988.
Playing without the injured Kawhi Leonard (mouth laceration) and Marcus Morris (knee), the Clippers scored just five points in the first eight-plus minutes and didn’t reach 20 points until there was 5:01 left in the second quarter.
“I take full responsibility,” said Clippers guard Paul George, who scored 15 points but missed all six of his 3-point attempts. “You know, it’s a tough game coming [after] Christmas. I enjoyed my Christmas Day [celebration] yesterday. Today just popped up on me a little too fast. I’ll take full ownership for that, coming out and being prepared to play today. Be a different situation come next game, and we will be ready.”
