Clippers crush Mavericks to sweep back-to-back

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- The Clippers have been on an absolute tear as of late, and facing the second night of a back-to-back with the Mavericks, they took care of business again with a 135-104 victory on Saturday. 

James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac combined for 83 points in a monster effort against a Mavericks team that saw Anthony Davis and Derrick Lively return. 

The Clippers shot 56% overall while holding the Mavericks to 26% from three and forcing 15 turnovers. 

James Harden had a hot start and that paved the way for his game-high 29 points on an impressive 10-for-19 shooting. But this could have been one of Harden's best games assist wise, getting 14 with pinpoint accuracy and flow. 

Alongside Harden, Kawhi Leonard played in hist first back-to-back of the season and looked as dominant as ever. Leonard finished with 29 points on 12-for-19 shooting in only 25 minutes of play. 

Ty Lue did confirm pregame that he was on a minutes restriction but it did not matter, as Kawhi cut through the lengthy defense of Dallas with ease. 

It is a fantastic sign for the Clippers that Leonard was able to complete both games of a back-to-back scenario with conviction, but the fact that he was strong enough and healthy enough to play on the second night shows how good he is feeling physically.

While it is insane to think that Ivica Zubac would be third on this list of the "Big 3" that the Clippers have, he certainly is one of the most impactful players in the league, let alone the team. Zubac finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds on a perfect night from the field. 

Zubac was 11-for-11 and made all of his free throws as well. On such a historic night, it is fitting that the Clippers got their 14th win in their last 17 games. Intuit Dome was alive, electric and buzzing, as it has been since the All-Star break, but the team is proving that they can be a championship contender when they are whole. 

And right now, they are whole...

The Clippers now have two days off before taking on the Spurs on Tuesday. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM PST.