The Los Angeles Clippers only have three home games left on their schedule this season, including tonight's contest against the playoff-bound Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center. Tonight is the final game of a seven-game stretch all at Staples Center for the Clippers, which included a road game against the Lakers. The Clippers have lost their last eight games against Dallas, and 14 of their last 15 encounters.
Blake Griffin scored 22 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in Saturday's win over Toronto, his 56th double-double of the season. The 56 double-doubles are the most ever by a Clipper. In two games against the Mavericks this season, Griffin averaged 19.0 points and 10.0 rebounds, but shot just 35.5% (11 for 31) from the field.
The Mavericks have won five straight games, and tonight is the third game of a six-game road trip for them. Dallas, which has the best road record in the NBA at 26-10, will stay at Staples Center an extra night, as they also battle the Lakers on Thursday. The Mavericks are 12-1 against Pacific Division foes this season.
Dirk Nowitzki is shooting 89.4% from the free throw line this year, which is pretty much in line with his stellar 87.7% career mark. He has made his last 74 free throws in a row, dating back to March 4, the longest streak in the NBA this season. Nowitzki also ended last season by making 74 in a row, a streak he extended to 82 straight makes at the beginning of this season. The NBA record for consecutive free throws made is 97, by Micheal Williams in 1993.
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