The Los Angeles Clippers beat the defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks 91-89 on Wednesday with a game-winning dagger from Chauncey Billups, who hit a 3-pointer with 1 second remaining.
Dirk Nowitzki and Delonte West each scored 17 points for Dallas. Jason Kidd had five points and 10 assists as he recovers from back spasms. Neither team could establish a commanding lead, as the deficit didn't grow past six until the fourth quarter. Dallas used a 14-5 run to tie the game at 71 late in the fourth. The Mavs were without Vince Carter, who suffered a foot injury in a 73-70 loss to the Lakers on Monday.
Chris Paul did not play for the Clippers because of a hamstring strain. Blake Griffin had 17 rebounds along with 14 points and seven assists, including one to set up Billups' game winner.
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