Here are my 5 takeaways from the Dallas Mavericks’ 125-121 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night at the STAPLES Center:

1. DONCIC RULES THE NIGHT: Folks are running out of superlatives to describe what Luka Doncic has done in a little over a third of the way through this season. The 19-year old rookie from Slovenia added another glowing chapter to his ever-growing list of accolades Thursday when he scored a season-high 32 points, grabbed four rebounds, handed out five assists and picked up four steals. The only other NBA teenager to put up similar numbers – LeBron James.

2. TRIBUTE TO DEANDRE: What a nice tribute the Clippers and their fans gave DeAndre Jordan. The lovefest started during Clippers coach Doc Rivers’ pre-game press conference when he acknowledged that he wants to one day retire Jordan’s jersey. It continued when fans gave Jordan a very loud ovation during pre-game introductions. Then came the warm video tribute to Jordan during the first timeout. Jordan responded with 11 points, 22 rebounds and four assists.

3. DEFENSE WAS A NO-SHOW: The Mavs’ defense was a no-show. Not only did the Clippers score 125 points, but they tallied at least 60 points in each half. Overall, the Clippers shot 56.6 percent from the field and seven of their 11 players that played shot at least 50 percent from the floor. Also, this was one of those rare NBA games where the Mavericks finished the entire night without blocking at least one shot.

4. THE BENCH PLAY: This was a game where both benches were huge factors. Behind 26 points and eight assists from Lou Williams — along with 18 points and six rebounds from Montrezl Harrell – the Clippers bench players outscored the Mavs’ reserves, 67-49. However, when the Mavs climbed out of a 13-point hole and took a 109-104 lead midway through the fourth quarter, that spark came compliments of their bench. J. J. Bare (19 points, eight assists) and Devin Harris (13 points) led the solid play of the Mavs off the bench.

5. SALAH MEJRI A FACTOR: For a player who was sick earlier in the day, Salah Mejri emerged and played arguably his best game of the season. Mejri was congested earlier Thursday, and therefore missed the morning shootaround. But he wound up scoring five points, grabbing two rebounds, handing out three assists and picking up a steal during his short time on the court. That in itself was phenomenal considering Mejri had played just seven minutes in the previous eight games.

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