The Los Angeles Clippers showcased their depth and versatility on Saturday night as they secured a convincing 107-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, despite James Harden and Kawhi Leonard struggling to find their shooting touch for the second consecutive game. The win marked the Clippers' fourth in their last five outings and highlighted their ability to secure victories even when their star players aren't firing on all cylinders.

Coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the subpar performances of Harden and Leonard, stating, "Kawhi and James didn't have a great night. And to beat a good team like this says a lot, but our bench is really good tonight as well. So defensively, that's how you're going to win games because you're not going to make shots every single night. And tonight we showed that."

Despite the sluggish performances from their key stars, the Clippers received significant contributions from other players. Paul George led the team with 25 points, showcasing his scoring prowess. Russell Westbrook, who had struggled in the previous game, showed an impressive turnaround, making a significant impact both offensively and defensively. Westbrook finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, displaying his versatility and importance to the team.

However, the Clippers' victory would not have been possible without the solid performances from Terance Mann, Ivica Zubac, and Norman Powell. Mann recorded a season-high 17 points, dominating inside the paint with his first four baskets. Powell continued his impressive start to the season by contributing 15 points off the bench, shooting perfectly from the field and beyond the arc. Zubac recorded his third double-double of the season, contributing 11 points and 14 rebounds.

The Clippers' ability to maintain their lead was evident when Powell found Mann for a dunk and later collected an offensive rebound off Leonard's missed three-pointer, tipping it back for a 16-point advantage. The Clippers' resilience and contributions from their role players effectively blunted any hopes of a comeback for the Mavericks, who eventually pulled their starters with nearly five minutes left to play.

The Clippers' victory showcased the adaptability of Russell Westbrook, who recently shifted from a starter to a reserve role. Westbrook displayed an impressive change in his playing style, focusing more on facilitating and impacting the game in various ways apart from scoring. "When he was playing with that kind of energy, it brings it for everyone," praised Coach Lue. Westbrook's commitment to helping the team win was evident as he embraced his evolving role.

While the star duo of Leonard and Harden struggled, questions were raised about their performance. Leonard's recent shooting slump raised concerns, but Coach Lue dismissed worries of physical fatigue, pointing out that Leonard had previously played consecutive games in 2020 after a long pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Harden remained confident despite his shooting struggles, stating, "I'm not worried about me. I'm good enough and I'll put the work in enough on a day-to-day basis consistently to get going. So it's not about me. I'm worried about winning the game and tonight was a great example of that."

In a game that highlighted their depth and ability to win even when stars struggle, the Clippers demonstrated their prowess on both ends of the court. Their dominant performance in the paint and focus on second-chance points propelled them to victory. With a balanced roster and the ability to win in various ways, the Clippers are proving to be a formidable force in the league.

Overall, the Clippers' victory against the Mavericks showcased the team's resilience, contributions from their role players, and their ability to secure victories even when their star players struggle. With their depth and versatility, the Clippers are positioning themselves as serious contenders for the championship title.