SPORTS

Clippers hold off Mavericks as playoff scramble continues

PUBLISHED Apr 8, 2026, 2:00 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 4

Center 100%

Sources: 4

Inglewood — The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 116-103 at the Intuit Dome on Tuesday, overcoming a squandered 23-point lead with a late run; coach Tyronn Lue said the team limited rookie Cooper Flagg to 25 points and nine rebounds in the victory. Wednesday's results widened playoff stakes: Oklahoma City beat the Clippers 128-110 to clinch the West's top seed, the Spurs locked the No. 2 seed with their 61st win, Phoenix clinched No. 7, and Friday's Clippers–Trail Blazers game plus an April 14 play-in will decide the final seedings.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Cooper Flagg scored 51 then 45 points in his two games prior to facing the Clippers.
Tuesday: Clippers defeated Mavericks 116-103 at Intuit Dome, holding Flagg to 25 points.
Wednesday: Oklahoma City defeated Clippers 128-110, clinching the Western Conference's top seed.
Wednesday: Spurs earned their 61st win and locked No. 2 seed; Phoenix clinched No. 7.
Friday/April 14: Clippers vs. Trail Blazers and potential play-in games will determine final seeding.

News Intelligence

The NBA playoffs are heating up. Your team's position can change quickly. If you're a Clippers fan, keep an eye on Friday's game against the Trail Blazers. It could decide the final seedings.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4

Who Benefited

The Los Angeles Clippers benefited by securing a 116-103 victory over Dallas, preserving their hold on a play-in/No.8 position pending remaining regular-season results.

Who Impacted

The Los Angeles Clippers suffered a 128-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder that placed their playoff positioning at risk and left their final seed dependent on upcoming games.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

The Los Angeles Clippers benefited by securing a 116-103 victory over Dallas, preserving their hold on a play-in/No.8 position pending remaining regular-season results.

Who Impacted

The Los Angeles Clippers suffered a 128-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder that placed their playoff positioning at risk and left their final seed dependent on upcoming games.