The Clippers were able to hold off Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder after getting out to a big head start in the first quarter. But OKC played them even from there, keeping the game within reach throughout the second half. The Clippers got one win under their belt, but they’ll hope for better shooting on Sunday in order to sweep this two game series.
Game Summary
The Clippers dominated the first half (aside from a weak finish to the second quarter). Both teams started the game a little slow, but eventually the Clippers got the ball moving and made some incredible passes to find open shooters. The Clippers would finish the first quarter with 36 points on 64% shooting from the field, which included 4/8 from three. Kawhi, who had 11 in the first, led the Clippers on a big 21-2 run that blew the game open.
The Clippers continued to beat up on the Thunder for the majority of the second quarter. Paul George was 7/8 from the floor at half time, Ivica Zubac had three big dunks, and the team as a whole continued to shoot over 60%. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, however, was able to get the Thunder offense going, leading the team with 16 points through 24 minutes. They actually ended up outscoring the Clippers by one in the second quarter, but still trailed by 17 at half.
The Thunder continued to play the Clippers tough in the third quarter, ultimately taking another four point bite out of the lead the Clippers were nursing since the first quarter. Lu Dort came to life, with 11 points in the frame. For the Clippers’ part, Serge Ibaka put together a nice stat line, including some nice plays in the third. He ultimately finished with 17 points on 7/8 shooting and 11 rebounds.
Shai scored another 10 points in the fourth quarter, bringing his game total to 30 (11/20 from the field). But it was not enough to get over the hump, and the Clippers closed out the Thunder with relative ease (although the starters did have to play deeper into the game than we’d hoped).
Notes:
- Nayeli Batum: The Clips Nation family got a little bigger today! Nic Batum and his family welcomed Nayeli to the world today before the game, which is why Batum briefly was “questionable” for the game. But, as Ty Lue described before the game, Batum really wanted to play, so he did.
- The Center Position: Serge and Ivica were both effective tonight. Zu only had eight points and six boards, but his presence was felt and he was aggressive and ready to catch on the roll or under the basket.
- Patrick Beverly: Pat was 0/2 from the field, 1/2 from the FT line, for 1 point, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. And, somehow, a team leading 23 point +/-. After the game, Ty Lue shrugged off the plus-minus as deceptive (which seems fair), but Beverley certainly had some nice defensive plays.
The Clippers play the Thunder again on Sunday, at 1pm PT, at STAPLES. The Clippers cannot expect to be able to hold off OKC for 36 minutes again, so hopefully they string together more than one winning quarter in a row on Sunday.
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