The previously undefeated LA Clippers have left the NBA world shocked after a dismal loss against the previously win-less Dallas Mavericks, with the Mavs leading 77-27 at half time.
Fans across the board wondering if the missing link was star Kawhi Leonard, who was out injured after leaving the court in a bloodied mess on Christmas Day when he collided with team mate Serge Ibaka's elbow, during the game against the Denver Nuggets.
Leonard was treated on the floor with fans shocked with the amount of blood pouring out of his mouth, which required eight stitches as a result.
Dallas' Trey Burke sunk a 3-pointer with less than 24 seconds left in the second quarter, pushing the Mavs to a 50 point lead.
The half-time deficit against the Clippers was the biggest half time gap during an NBA game during the shot-clock era, which first started in the 1954-55 season.
Meaning, it was a 65-year record breaking performance. And not the good kind.
https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/1343308930664038401The Mavericks ended up winning 124-73 - the second-largest win in franchise history but all the damage was done in the opening half.
By halftime Dallas' Slovenian player Luka Dončić, had 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Clippers as a team managed nine shots, only two more than Doncic himself.
Doncic was assisted strongly by the supporting cast with Josh Richardson leading the way. With Richardson racking up 13 points and sunk five from eight from the field in the first quarter alone.
Richardson proving that his purchase after the Seth Curry trade off to Golden State Warriors was a the right move, with the trade intended to help the Mavs on the defensive end of the floor, however Richardson getting quality shots in from deep against the Clippers, proved himself a more than capable replacement.
https://twitter.com/MagicJohnson/status/1343313898599018497The Clippers' performance attracting the attention of NBA legend Magic Johnson, who tweeted: "I've never seen anything like that before in the NBA and the Clippers are at home", a long side an embarrassed face emoji.
The Clippers, appearing lethargic and struggling for motivation without Leonard as they struggled against the previously win-less Mavs serving a reminder of just how important Leonard can be to this Clippers outfit.
Leonard had 21 points, five rebounds and seven assists in the victory over Denver.
Head coach for the Clippers Ty Lue told Fox Sports of Leonard's injury: "Hopefully he's fine, I'm not sure yet."
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from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/basketball/clippers-dismal-nba-loss-against-mavericks-without--kawhi-leonard/cc52df36-21aa-413d-9727-4d883d9ac56a
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