Kawhi Leonard's 34-point night lifts Clippers over Mavs after a blown 23-point lead

Leonard hit six 3-pointers as the Clippers recovered from blowing a big lead to beat the Mavericks 116-103.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:06am

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A dynamic, neon-colored painting depicting the intense action and scoring movements of an NBA basketball game, with players' forms dissolving into abstract brushstrokes that convey the excitement and tension of the moment.Kawhi Leonard's scoring explosion lifts the Clippers to a thrilling comeback victory over the Mavericks, showcasing the raw energy and drama of NBA playoff basketball.Inglewood Today

Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points, including six 3-pointers, to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 116-103 win over the Dallas Mavericks after the Clippers had blown a 23-point lead. The Mavericks tied the game in the third quarter and briefly took the lead, but the Clippers closed strong in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

Why it matters

The win was an important one for the Clippers, who are fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Leonard's performance was a key factor, as he continues to make his case for postseason awards like league MVP and All-NBA honors.

The details

The Clippers jumped out to a 17-0 lead to start the game and extended it to 23 points in the second quarter. However, the Mavericks battled back, tying the game in the third quarter and briefly taking the lead. But the Clippers closed the game on a strong note, with Leonard scoring seven of their final 11 points to secure the victory.

  • The Clippers led 39-26 after the first quarter.
  • The Mavericks tied the game at 47-47 in the second quarter.
  • The Clippers led 65-55 at halftime.
  • The Mavericks briefly took an 80-77 lead in the third quarter.
  • The Clippers led 89-84 heading into the fourth quarter.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

A star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers who scored 34 points, including six 3-pointers, to lead his team to victory.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie for the Dallas Mavericks who scored 25 points and had 9 rebounds in the game.

Darius Garland

A guard for the Los Angeles Clippers who scored 22 points in the win.

Marvin Bagley III

A forward for the Dallas Mavericks who scored 21 points and had 9 rebounds off the bench.

Brook Lopez

A center for the Los Angeles Clippers who had 11 rebounds in the game.

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What’s next

The Clippers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday to complete a back-to-back, while the Mavericks will visit the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday in the final back-to-back of the season.

The takeaway

Kawhi Leonard's dominant performance helped the Clippers overcome a blown 23-point lead and secure an important win in their push for playoff positioning. The Mavericks' comeback effort fell short, but rookie Cooper Flagg continued to impress with another strong outing.