The Clippers will return to LA with a losing record after dropping two games to the OKC Thunder in three days. Although the Clippers were without Leonard and Morris in both, and George in one, the Clippers did not deserve to win either game. The available roster was better than that of the Thunder, yet the Clippers played their way into losses. Check out our recap of the car crash below:
Summary
The Clippers almost immediately took themselves out of the game, going down 30 to 12 late in the first quarter. Both teams shot a lot better tonight; unlike Tuesday, in the first half, OKC shot 49% to the Clippers 60% and both teams were over 40% from three. Unfortunately, though, the Clippers’ turnover issues did not get back on track, as they had 11 in the first half alone (they would go on to finish with 19).
A very nice second quarter actually gave the Clippers a seven point lead at the half, 60-53. Notably, Reggie Jackson looked much more comfortable and perhaps almost over his groin injury. Norm Powell also started to get going in the first half and really took off in the second. And, of course, Zubac established his presence early.
But the Clippers lost both second-half quarters, largely because they continued to turn the ball over, played very poor perimeter defense, and could not get Paul George in a rhythm on offense. George finished with just 10 points on 4/12 shooting in 31 minutes, and he had a team-worst -25 plus-minus. He was clearly still a little off from his illness, but the Clippers asked him to score out of isolation sets too often, which did not help his return to play.
Notes
Zubac Keeps Rolling: Ivica Zubac set another career-high in rebounds tonight, grabbing 18 (five offensive). He also played 34 minutes, which is where he needs to be, especially now that we have seen that the “small-ball” units are not ready for prime time.
Norm Powell Looks Alive: After getting pulled from the game (inexplicably) after just three minutes, Norm came back with a new level of aggression. He finished the game with 21 points on 9/15 shooting in 31 minutes. He still had more turnovers (3) than assists (2), only had three rebounds, and was average on defense, but the Clippers will have to take it at this point. If Norm can continue to play aggressively, they will have a chance to accelerate the bonding that needs to happen on the court. Specifically, when Norm goes north-and-south, it draws defenders away from shooters and generally keeps the offense from going stale or heavily into isolation.
That about does it for this recap of the Clippers’ game against the Thunder. As always, check out The Lob The Jam The Podcast and Clips ‘N Dip for analysis throughout the week, and follow us on Twitter to watch the game with us!
