Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks upset the Los Angeles Clippers on the road Tuesday night, 96-93. Luka Doncic was Dallas’ highest scorer with 32 points. He also contributed six rebounds and nine assists. James Harden and Paul George both tallied 22 points in defeat. The Mavericks did not perform adequately offensively. That is reflected in the overall score and shooting percentages. But oh, did they fight hard on the opposite end, delivering a magnificent defensive performance.

 
The game started with both sides playing offensive as if they had been visited by the Monstars from Space Jam. Dallas performed excellent defense, keeping them ahead for the majority of the game and staying close after losing the lead.

 

Then, at the end of the game, the role players made enough shots to allow the superstars to finish it. P.J. Washington and Maxi Kleber scored crucial three-pointers in the final frame to help Dallas hold on. Then Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic delivered just enough brilliance to propel them to a 96-93 victory. The Mavericks split the series, 1-1, as they return to Dallas.

Here’s what you need to know.

Allas Mavericks are no longer.
The Mavericks have long been known as Allas because they rarely play defense. This has been true for numerous generations of Mavericks (the 2011 Champions being one notable exception). It is no longer true. This was hardly a game in which scoring brilliance was the main story. Over the last year, the Mavericks have added Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Derrick Jones Jr., and Dereck Lively II.

 

They combine to provide the Mavericks with length, quickness, and tenacity, giving them a far better defensive ceiling.

Irving and Doncic have long been seen as the Mavericks’ defensive weak links, but both were active and aggressive tonight. More significantly, they performed well defensively. This degree of competition and ability gives the team a far greater ceiling.

Clutch is everything.
The Mavericks have been an excellent clutch club this season. Tonight was no different. Maxi Kleber, Doncic and Irving made huge plays down the stretch that won the game.

Jason Kidd even had an incredibly clutch challenge. There has long been praise for individuals who possess the clutch gene. The Mavericks have it in spades.

PJ Washington does a little of everything
Washington played fantastic defense and gave the Mavericks a player who could physically compete with Kawhi Leonard. He also made three of his four threes and showed absolutely no fear.

Unfortunately, he also missed a few layups. That is why he brings a little of everything. Everything includes some things that might drive you crazy, but he did so much more good than bad in this game.

Overall, the Mavericks won a game they had to win to have a chance to win this series. The old saying is that the series starts when the road team wins. This series has started.