The LA Clippers rallied back once again after being down double-digits to the visiting Toronto Raptors, but ultimately fell short, 103-100.
Game Summary
Early in the third quarter, it looked like the Clippers were going to lose big against the Raptors just like their next-door neighbor Lakers did on Monday. The Raptors were on a run that started late in the second quarter when they outscored the Clippers 15-4 to take a 54-44 lead into the half.
The Raptors went up by as many as 17 points in the third quarter before the Clippers began to show signs of life again. The Clippers offense picked it up midway through the third quarter sparked by Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris Sr., and Isaiah Hartenstein.
A Hartenstein floater at the three and a half minute mark cut the Raptors lead to single digits and the comeback looked live. The Clippers were able to string together multiple defensive stops and they ended the quarter on a 9-0 run to trail 78-74 heading into the final period.
The Raptors had another run left in them though. Pascal Siakam was phenomenal all game and an easy bucket for him midway through the fourth quarter put the Raptors back up double digits, 93-83.
The Clippers fought back though and had two key calls go in their favor. The first was an offensive foul call on Precious Achiuwa after a made basket that the Raptors challenged only to be unsuccessful. The second came a couple possessions later when Jackson attacked the rim and finished the play but was also called for an offensive foul.
On replay, it appeared as if Chris Boucher was not firmly planted when trying to take the charge and Ty Lue immediately challenged the call. The challenge was successful and Jackson completed the three-point play to pull the Clippers to within 95-93.
After a couple of alternating scores, the Clippers found themselves down 101-100 with 35.1 seconds left after a huge Morris offensive rebound led to an open corner three by Nicolas Batum.
On the ensuing possession, the Clippers seemingly got the defensive stop they needed, but Terance Mann was whistled for a foul as Fred VanVleet fell out of bounds on the sideline, putting him at the free-throw line.
VanVleet split the pair of free-throws, missing the second, but the rookie Scottie Barnes kept the ball alive and allowed VanVleet to get his own miss. The Clippers were forced to foul sending VanVleet back to the line where he again missed one of two, giving the Raptors a 103-100 lead.
This time, the Clippers were able to secure the rebound, but after a timeout, Morris’ game-tying three-point attempt came up short.
