Clippers Beat Mavericks as Kawhi Leonard Shines in Back-to-Back Game

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Clippers secured a crucial victory against the Dallas Mavericks, triumphing 114-91 in a tightly contested matchup at the Intuit Dome on April 5, 2025. Kawhi Leonard made headlines by participating in back-to-back games for the first time in over a year, showcasing his health ahead of the impending NBA playoffs.

With their playoff hopes on the line, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the stakes, stating, “we’re fighting for our lives” as they pursued the automatic playoff berth awarded to the top six teams in the Western Conference. Leonard’s presence on the court was vital for the team to secure its fourth consecutive win.

“Everything has been going well,” Leonard said after finishing with 20 points and six rebounds in 25 minutes of play. “We had discussions and we all thought it was a good time to play.” His return adds significant weight to the Clippers’ offensive strategy during this critical juncture.

On the floor, Leonard showcased his high-level play, contributing more than just points. He also emphasized the importance of managing his health. “It’s just about listening to them, about their scenarios, how they calculate things… my No. 1 goal is to come out of this season healthy,” he added.

The Clippers were propelled by strong performances from their core trio; James Harden delivered a double-double with 29 points and 14 assists, while Ivica Zubac recorded a remarkable 25 points and 10 rebounds. Zubac’s flawless shooting night, going 11 for 11 from the field, landed him a career-high 11th consecutive double-double and pushed him past Bob McAdoo in the franchise’s all-time rebounds leaderboard.

“Those three guys were really good tonight,” Lue remarked about his leading players. “Just having a professional win to come out the second night of a back-to-back and play the way we did was pretty impressive.”

The Mavericks, led by Anthony Davis‘s 29 points and nine rebounds, were unable to counter the Clippers’ firepower. Despite their solid performance, the Mavericks fell short in their attempts to climb the standings.

Entering the new week, the Clippers hold a shared record of 46-32 with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies, but currently rank seventh in the Western Conference due to tiebreakers. With only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, each win becomes increasingly critical.

“There’s no back-to-backs in the playoffs,” Lue stated, reflecting on the need for roster management as the team heads into a tight playoff race. “Right now, we need all hands on deck.”

Leonard missed the first 34 games of the season recovering from surgery on his right knee and had not participated in back-to-back games since March 2024. His resilience on the court is a hopeful sign for Clippers fans as the playoffs approach.

As the team gears up for their next match against the San Antonio Spurs on April 7, Leonard and the Clippers are focused on maintaining their winning streak and solidifying their playoff position.