The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 101-90, at American Airlines Center on Friday night in Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal-round series. The Mavericks lead the series, 2-1.

The Clippers (1-2) got good news leading up to tip-off in the form of confirmed availability for Kawhi Leonard (knee), and the momentum carried over into a first quarter they were able to forge a 23-18 lead in. However, the Mavericks (2-1) would change the dynamic of the game in the second by doubling up Los Angeles, 36-18. Although the visitors made a two-point dent in their deficit in the third, a contentious fourth quarter in which Russell Westbrook and P.J. Washington were ejected for a scuffle finished with each team matching each other point for point on the way to an 11-point Mavs victory.

James Harden and Norman Powell co-led the Clippers with 21 points while recording five assists and six rebounds, respectively. Harden added two assists, two steals and one block. Ivica Zubac furnished 19 points, eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Leonard logged 25 minutes and provided nine points, nine rebounds and two assists.

Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 22 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Kyrie Irving delivered 21 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Dereck Lively totaled 13 points, two rebounds and two blocks. Derrick Jones registered 11 points, three boards and one block. Washington managed 10 points, five rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block.

The two teams reconvene at American Airlines Center on Sunday afternoon for Game 4.