Kawhi Leonard, Clippers bounce back against Mavericks

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    Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. battles Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith during the first half of Monday’s game in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers makes a slam dunk against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) battles LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) for space during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers takes a shot against Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    Los Angeles Clippers forwards Marcus Morris Sr. (8) and Ivica Zubac, right, vie for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Los Angeles Clippers guard Reggie Jackson (1) attempts a shot as Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers takes a shot against Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Tim Hardaway Jr. #11 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers in the second quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) battles LA Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (8) for space during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams (23) attempts a layup as Dallas Mavericks forward Willie Cauley-Stein (33) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) battles Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (8) for space during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Head coach Tyronn Lue and Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the LA Clippers in the second quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    Dallas Mavericks forward Willie Cauley-Stein, left, attempts a layup as Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers takes a shot against the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the LA Clippers takes a shot against Tim Hardaway Jr. #11 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers takes a shot against Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers takes a shot against Maxi Kleber #42 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers takes a shot against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) battles Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic for space during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) battles Los Angeles Clippers forwards Kawhi Leonard (2) and Ivica Zubac (40) and guard Paul George (13) for space during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) attempts a shot as Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Los Angeles Clippers guard Reggie Jackson (1) battles for space as Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Los Angeles Clippers forward Ivica Zubac (40) looks to pass as Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) attempts a layup as Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Richardson defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dunks as Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) fouls Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) attempts to shoot as Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Richardson (0) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts to a foul call against him during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) attempts a layup as Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Richardson (0) steals the ball from Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers in the third quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) battles Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson (13) for space during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Dallas. Los Angeles won 109-99. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers takes a shot against Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers in the third quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

  • GettyImages 1307317691 1

    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers makes the slam dunk against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

  • GettyImages 1307317692 1

    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers makes the slam dunk against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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    DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Marcus Morris Sr. #8 and Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers react against the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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Motivation hit the Clippers like smelling salts Monday, with a pair of stinkers – the historic one in December and another 24 hours earlier – waking them up for a rematch against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Clippers tried a new starting lineup in the effort to avenge both their franchise-worst 51-point loss to Dallas in December and, for good measure, Sunday’s poor showing in New Orleans, where the Pelicans led by as many as 33 points.

Paul George pushed through an otherwise rough night by draining the dagger 3-pointer with 26.3 seconds left, the final basket of the night for either team, as the Clippers earned a 109-99 victory before 3,945 fans at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

After the Clippers came out and established a 14-point first-quarter lead, they saw it disappear in a back-and-forth the second quarter. But they closed Monday’s game with necessary intensity, holding Dallas scoreless for the final 3:15 to hand the host Mavericks their fourth loss in 15 games.

“You know what felt good?” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said after the victory. “Just seeing when they did score, we got (ticked) off and mad about that. … (Kristaps) Porzingis made one 6 or 7 feet behind the 3-point line and Kawhi got mad at himself because we said he would shoot the trail 3 and from deep.

“So just taking that responsibility and onus on ourselves just to make sure we follow the game plan and understand what we need to do. Tonight was a good job of just showing physicality and also do it without fouling.”

Indeed – the Mavericks went to the free-throw line only five times Monday, a season-low for both Dallas and any Clippers’ opponent (Dallas went 4 for 5 at the stripe).

The Clippers improved to 7-0 in the second game of back-to-back sets so far this season. They’ve got six more scheduled.

On the second night of this back-to-back, All-Star Kawhi Leonard played conductor to the tune of 22 points, eight rebounds, four steals and seven assists – including a few especially nifty ones, like an underhanded dish in traffic to Ivica Zubac for a dunk and another that found Nicolas Batum in the corner for an open 3-pointer.

“Physically, I was tired but mentally I wanted to win the game,” said Leonard, who played a season-high 40 minutes. “My heart was in the game, that’s what you gotta push through. You’re gonna have these moments down the road … but you just gotta keep fighting. My teammates did a great job of competing as well.”

Competing – and making shots.

Even with George struggling from the field – he finished 5 for 18 for 15 points – the Clippers collectively shot 50% (43 for 86).

Marcus Morris Sr., Zubac and Reggie Jackson – starters on this night – combined to shoot 18 for 30.

L.A. debuted a new starting five in Dallas, with Lue starting Morris starting in place of Batum – who came off the bench for the first time as a Clipper, and Jackson and Zubac got the call in place of starting guard Patrick Beverley and Serge Ibaka, who missed the game because of a sore right knee and back tightness, respectively.

Morris gave the Clippers a jolt with 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting; Jackson added 12 on a 5-for-11 effort and Zubac, the 7-foot Croatian center’s contributions were especially big, with 15 points on 7-for-8 shooting and 11 rebounds – and just one foul committed – in 35 minutes.

And Batum was strong in his new role as a reserve, with 12 points and seven rebounds, teaming up with Sixth Man extraordinaire Lou Williams, who chipped in with a smooth 14 points – and a timely steal down the stretch.

Luka Doncic had a game-high 25 points for Dallas, but he shot just 9 for 23 and turned over the ball seven times.

The key now, Leonard said, will be to carry over Monday’s caliber of effort and execution, starting with another game against the Mavericks on Wednesday.

“It’s all about consistency, like I always say,” he said. “So we’ll see what happens next game.”

Morris – who will remain in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future, Lue said – said, internally, the Clippers have faith in their abilities to get it done when it matters most.

“We’ve had some times where everybody’s like, ‘The Clippers gonna win a championship,’” Morris said. “There’s times where it’s, ‘The Clippers aren’t, they’re gonna go out in the first round.’ Let them talk all the (junk) they want, let everybody be critics. Everybody want to have an opinion, that’s just how it goes when you cover the game. It’s all about the get-back for us.”

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