‘The Q’ returns to big ‘D’ (Photo by Clark Castle, The Daily Campus)

Quinton Ross’ return to Dallas sent him away on the losing side as the Dallas Mavericks (25-12) downed the Los Angeles Clippers (18-21), 99-77.

Ross entered the game with just under eight minutes remaining in the first quarter. Ross and the Clippers kept the Mavericks on their heels for much of the first quarter and jumped out to 29-20 lead at the end of the quarter.

Ross played the remainder of the half and was instrumental in holding the Mavericks in check. The Mavericks closed the nine-point gap in the second quarter, but could not gain the upper hand and went into the locker room down 48-42.

Ross did not start the third quarter, but the Clippers continued to hold onto a single-digit lead for most of the quarter. However, the Mavericks went on a 14-6 run over the course of the last 3:44 in quarter and took the lead 73-68. Up until that point there were 12 lead changes and three ties between the two teams.

The Mavericks’ hot hands would continue for the remainder of the game as they ended the game with a 33-11 run, allowing the Clippers only nine points in the final quarter. The nine points the Clippers scored are the least amount of points scored against the Mavericks this season.

The 33-11 run began with the score tied between the two teams in third quarter at 66.

Ross did rejoin the game with 3:47 remaining in the game. He also took the last shot which was an airball. Ross played 25 minutes and finished the game with six points, two rebounds, an assist and a foul.

With the loss, Ross and the Clippers have lost four straight, and six of their last eight.

Dirk Nowitzski led all scorers with 28 points. Elton Brand was the high-scorer for the Clippers with 24.

The Clippers next face the New Orleans Hornets in New Orleans. The Mavericks next square off against the Charlotte Bobcats in Charlotte.