The Clippers and Lakers faced each other for the first time in nearly five months, and they didn’t disappoint. The Clippers gave it everything they had, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to the Lakers, 103-101.
A Paul George 3-pointer with 28 seconds left tied the game at 101 a piece. Over the final 4 1/2 minutes, the Clippers rallied from nine down to tie it up. LeBron James, who shot 6-of-19 from the field, missed a jumper with 14 seconds left but got his own rebound. He then laid it in and put the Lakers ahead by two.
George’s heroic three-point attempt as time expired was to no avail, as he missed and the Clippers lost the game.
Overall, though a win would be ideal, it was a very encouraging game from the Clippers given the circumstances. They were without their two top scorers off the bench in Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell. Patrick Beverley, their third most important player arguably, was on a minutes restriction. The Clippers also had 20 turnovers.
Considering what I just mentioned, if I would have told you all that prior to the game, I think it’s safe to assume you wouldn’t think the Clippers would have a chance at winning that game.
Speaking of George, he led the Clippers tonight with 30 points. He went 11-for-17 from the field while knocking down 6-of-11 from deep. He also added five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kawhi Leonard also had a great game, adding 28 points of his own while going 3-for-4 from deep. He also had four assists, three rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
Takeaways
- As I mentioned, the Clippers were without Williams and Harrell, arguably the best bench duo in the NBA
- Landry Shamet played in his first game since arriving in Orlando. He shot 1-of-8 from the field.
- Marcus Morris Sr. is a combined 0-for-13 in his two games versus the Lakers as a member of the Clippers
- The Clippers committed 30 fouls as a team
Up next
The Clippers will play the Pelicans on Saturday. Tip-off is at 3 p.m. PT on Fox Sports Prime Ticket and ESPN.