Kawhi Leonard's absence created a major problem for the Clippers on Sunday as they fell into a double-digit hole at halftime against the Mavericks. But double digits doesn't quite explain Los Angeles' first-half deficit.
The Leonard-less Clippers trailed Dallas by a whopping 50 points at the half at the Staples Center, heading into the home locker room trailing 77-27. Head coach Tyronn Lue may want to burn the tape of this one before facing the Timberwolves on Sunday.
So how did Los Angeles fall into such a deep hole? It was a perfect storm of sorts. Dallas's third-year phenom Luka Doncic torched the Clippers with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Los Angeles's offense sputtered to a shocking degree.