Clippers Defeat Mavericks Amidst Lakers' Playoff Push

The Los Angeles Clippers decisively defeated the Dallas Mavericks 114-91, with Kawhi Leonard leading the charge and the Clippers moving into a tie for sixth place in the Western Conference. The Mavericks, struggling with injuries, notably missed key players and lost several others, including Jaden Hardy, to further injuries during the game. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans, in a tanking season, have shut down players like Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum to aim for better lottery odds. The Los Angeles Lakers are capitalizing on this situation, seeking to improve their playoff seeding by defeating under-strength teams like the Pelicans, as they remain in a tight race for a top spot in the Western Conference.