Clippers demolish Mavericks in front half of back-to-back

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - The Clippers came out with cruel intentions on Friday night against the Mavericks, culminating with a 114-91 win. 

In a steady and balanced effort, the Clippers beat a Mavericks team that was missing Anthony Davis and Derrick Lively, and saw Klay Thompson leave the game early and Jaden Hardy go down with what looked like a serious injury. 

The Mavericks have been decimated by injuries all season, and the Clippers took full advantage. 

Ivica Zubac had a double-double at the half and finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard scored 20 points on 8-for-17 shooting and got hot after a slow start.

James Harden only had 13 points but wasn't necessarily needed in the scoring department on Friday. 

There are three main stories of the night however. The starters played low minutes due to the blowout, Drew Eubanks played great basketball in place of Ben Simmons and Bogdan Bogdanovic continues to impress. 

Harden was the only starter to reach the 30 minute mark, which bodes well for the back-to-back on Saturday. But in any case, Eubanks had 12 points and 7 rebounds in only 17 minutes, and was the recipient of a sweet behind-the-back pass from Bogdanovic late.

The chemistry of the Clippers at this point is at an all season-high, with players at the end of the rotation contributing as well. 

With the second night of a back-to-back looming and the Mavericks probably making Anthony Davis and Derrick Lively available on Saturday, taking care of business in the fashion the Clippers did was imperative and executed perfectly.

Tipoff on Saturday against the Mavericks is at 7:30 p.m. PT.