LA Clippers Star Sends Message After Defeating Dallas Mavericks

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The LA Clippers defeated a shorthanded Dallas Mavericks team on Thursday night by a final score of 118-95. Dallas was without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but the Clippers were again without Kawhi Leonard.
On the road trip with the Clippers for the first time this season, Leonard will not play, but is cleared for full contact five-on-five practice. In his absence, the Clippers have been carried by James Harden, Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac, and the rest of Ty Lue’s rotation.
This was no different on Thursday, as the Clippers got incredible production from Harden, Powell and Zubac.

Speaking on the broadcast after the game, Powell sent a clear message to fans.
Powell: “Don’t matter, man. Vote for me for All-Star.”
🗣️ YOU HEARD HIM #CLIPPERNATION
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) December 20, 2024
⭐️ VOTE NORM FOR #NBAALLSTAR ⭐️
🗳️https://t.co/bH117Xu8Iy pic.twitter.com/aWdYx8mDfD
While the Western Conference is loaded with backcourt talent, Powell has made as strong of a case for an All-Star nod as he possibly could. Not only has Powell helped lead the Clippers to a 16-12 record in Leonard’s absence, but he has been one of the most efficient scorers in basketball.
Averaging 23.7 points on 50.3 percent from the field and 48.5 percent from three-point range, Powell is the only guard in the NBA putting up these numbers. In fact, the only other player in the NBA this season averaging at least 23 points on 50 percent from the field and 48 percent from deep is three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
If the Clippers keep winning and Powell keeps playing at this level, it will be hard to deny his All-Star case.
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Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.
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