Clippers miss Blake, free throws in OT loss to Boston
- Updated: February 10, 2016
In a high-scoring, largely defenseless contest in Boston, the Clippers were unable to get crucial stops down the stretch as All-Star Isaiah Thomas exploded for 36 points and 11 assists as the Clippers fell to 35-18 heading into the All-Star break.
While Thomas’ performance was matched in a thrilling point guard duel with Chris Paul, – who had 35 points, five rebounds, 13 assists and three steals – the Clippers failed to find any support aside from J.J. Redick (27 points) and DeAndre Jordan (21 points and 16 rebounds) as the bench failed to fire.
Hack-a-Jordan was a tactic that Celtics coach Brad Stevens was not afraid to use as we saw in the first quarter, however Jordan went 3-4 at the line as the Clippers took a 37-33 lead after one quarter. The Clippers shot 63.5% in the opening period as Paul already had 10 points and five assists however this percentage diminished at a rapid rate as the bench came in, unable to find good shots on a consistent basis while their defense wasn’t able to match it with Marcus Smart hot shooting from deep.
The Celtics exposed the Clippers lack of interior defense as Kelly Olynyk dragged Jordan away from the basket, a ploy which Jared Sullinger would use to great effect throughout the game. This would open up the paint for the Celtics as they scored 38 points in the quarter to lead 71-64 at half time, the most points allowed in a half this season for the Clippers.
From midway through the second quarter until the half point of the third, the Celtics would go on a 48-27 run, however the Clippers would fight back from a double digit deficit and cut it to 2 on an 11-4 run before Jae Crowder hit a triple in the corner to restore some order.
Chris Paul continued to fill his statline as he had 20-10 with three minutes to go in the third quarter, although some lazy Jamal Crawford defense cost the Clippers a Thomas three as the Celtics took some momentum heading into the final quarter.
The Clippers managed to tie the game at 100 on a night where Lawler’s Law would not be broken although they managed to take a 109-107 lead. Lance Stephenson, renowned for his hustle plays came up big down the stretch, gathering an offense rebound on a Crawford miss and making the putback with four minutes to go.
The lineup of Paul-Redick-Crawford-Stephenson-Jordan seemed to be working well for the Clippers on both ends of the court before Thomas decided to take over.
Doc’s tendency to mess with line ups when not necessary proved costly for the Clippers. With 1:13 to go, the Celtics were looking for a three and despite missing two, they gathered two offensive rebounds before Thomas hit a lay up and drew a foul on Jordan.
Jordan was taken out for an offensive possession, with Pierce brought in. Thomas missed the FT as Marcus Smart gathered the offensive rebound and was fouled. He made the first, missed the second before the Clippers got a lucky break on a foul call which prevented the fourth offensive rebound in roughly eight seconds of play.
Thomas would eventually hit a jumper with 5.1 seconds remaining over DeAndre Jordan to tie the game and send it to overtime.
The Clippers opened overtime with a Redick 4-point play and another foul on a Redick three and would lead by six points instantly. Crawford and Paul would go to the line as well in the opening minute, however they each missed one free throw. Paul (and Jordan) would miss another following an incredibly smart play to step in front of DeAndre Jordan who was about to be hacked although these missed free throws coupled with the team’s inability to get stops would eventually lead to a 139-134 loss.
The Celtics closed OT on a 17-6 run as the Clippers made just one field goal in the final 4:46 of overtime.
This loss accentuated how much the Clippers are missing Blake Griffin. Despite an 18-5 record (on a relatively easy schedule) without their star power forward, everyone knew against the good teams, the Clippers need Blake. While the remaining 3 of their ‘Big 4’ starred once again, the burden on Paul’s shoulders was simply too much against a very good Celtics side.
Paul and Redick now head to Toronto to take part in the All-Star festivities while the rest of the squad head back to Los Angeles for a week off before hosting the Spurs next Thursday at Staples.
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