The Clippers returned to Los Angeles and defended home court, pushing the series to 2-1. More importantly, though, the Clippers put together a complete team win that both featured great play from stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and efficient shooting from the supporting cast. Keep reading for a full recap of Game 3 between the Clippers and Jazz! (Note: Nicolas Batum ended up starting at center.)
Clippers-Jazz Game 3 Summary
The Jazz put Clippers Nation on edge right from the jump, taking an 8-0 lead in the first two minutes, prompting an early Ty Lue timeout. The players, however, did not panic and tied the game up by mid-quarter. Reggie Jackson (6) and Paul George (7), specifically, provided the early offense, along with two nice mid-range shots by Marcus Morris, Sr. By the end of the first frame, the Clippers had clawed all the way back and taken a four point lead. The Jazz were led by Joe Ingles and Jordan Clarkson, who had three and two three-pointers respectively. Donovan Mitchell, however, went scoreless in the first quarter, which was a big win for the Clippers. Overall, the defense was very active and the Clippers held their own on the boards.
The Clippers really started to open a lead in the second quarter. Paul George had 13 points in the second quarter alone, finishing the half with 20 on 8/16 shooting (4/7 from three). Reggie added eight more (14 points at the half) and Nicolas Batum hit two threes in the second half, giving him 11 first half points. The Jazz, although down by 15 at the half, shot the three really well. Mitchell had 16 second quarter points (4/6 from three) and Ingles hit two more threes in the second quarter.
In the third, the Jazz put together a few good stretches and ultimately out scored the Clippers by four, cutting the Clippers’ lead to 11. Mitchell attacked the basket, got to the free throw line, and the “other guys” — Ingles, Bogdanovic, and Royce O’Neale — took advantage of the Clippers’ doubling Mitchell and hit open shots. But although the Clippers gave up some of their lead, it was notable that the Clippers found ways to keep up their own offensive production. They put up a 30 point quarter, and Kawhi specifically made a few aggressive takes to the rim to keep the pressure on the Jazz.
Two minutes into the fourth, the Jazz inched within ten points. But, starting around the eight-minute mark, PG and Kawhi scored 11 straight points between themselves and Kawhi fing Batum for a three pointer that served as an early dagger to give the Clippers a comfortable 21 point lead. During the run, Mitchell landed awkwardly and exited the game with an apparent ankle injury. From there, Kawhi went on another four point run that shut the door, prompting a Clippers timeout and Ty Lue letting the canoes close out the final three minutes. In the end, the Clippers outscored the Jazz 38-23 in the fourth to secure the comfortable win.
Notes
Mid-range Marcus: Marcus Morris missed the only two three point attempts he took, but he found success getting down hill and finding mid-range shots. He was a perfect 3/3 on his non-three point attempts and was +4 in 22 minutes. This turned out to be good enough tonight because Paul George and others had such efficient shooting, but Morris will have to get back to catching and shooting on the perimeter if the Clippers want to take control of this series.
Paul George’s first playoff 30-point game: As Lucas has said several times in recent days, PG has had a few great games but has not had a huge scoring night. Tonight, he delivered, with 31 points on 12/24 shooting (6/10 from three), with five assists. Perhaps tonight’s efficient shooting will give PG some added confidence as we go forward with the series.
Doubling Donovan: The Clippers, especially in the third quarter, started doubling Mitchell, which led to open shots for their shooters and even some offensive rebounds as the Clippers scrambled around. Mitchell finished with 30 points on 11/24 shooting (5/9 from three) and added four assists. Without rewatching the film, it seemed like the Clippers were better off just letting Beverley pick him up and play the screens instead of doubling. Hopefully the Clippers can tighten up their trap coverage or just abandon the strategy except as an odd play now and then.
Ty Lue’s rotations: As mentioned elsewhere on this site, Lue’s rotations were “interesting” in the first two games. But, tonight, Ty kept it a little tighter. Only Kennard, Beverley, Mann, and Zubac played significant minutes off the bench. Cousins was a DNP-CD after getting multiple deployment in Utah. Mann specifically had a strong game; although he only had seven points, he was active, grabbing four rebounds, playing tough defense, was +21 in his 22 minutes.
That about does it for this recap of the Clippers’ Game 3 win over the Jazz! Leave your celebratory comments below!
