Home Or Not Clippers Win Again At Staples
- Updated: April 7, 2016
Before I begin this article about the Battle of Los Angeles game between the Clippers and Lakers that took place Wednesday night let me just say it’s been an honor Kobe Bryant to watch you play against my Clippers all these years, way to represent Los Angeles basketball. Even when he was beating the Clippers time and time again there’s no way I couldn’t respect that man on a basketball court.
After winning by 23 points Tuesday night in what was a Clipper home game the teams met up again Wednesday night on a Lakers home floor. The result would be the same.
The Clippers played in this one without some key backups, Jamal Crawford, Austin Rivers and Wesley Johnson would all sit as playoff preparation is in full swing. The Clipper starting lineup would remain intact however as getting Blake Griffin back into the swing of things is this team’s main priority at this point in the season.
Your @DraftKings starting lineup for tonight’s game vs. the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/gj6yV31wu5
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 7, 2016
The game began with the Lakers starting out hot. Kobe Bryant, as only he can, knocked in some great fadeaway shots and helped his team jump out to an early 20-17 lead as he dropped 10 of his team’s 20. The Lakers would be able to keep this contest close for most of the first half, but the lead would disappear quickly after Kobe exited the game for the first time.
Griffin showed Clipper fans what they’d been missing for most of this season as his midrange shot seemed to reappear in this one after shooting none of those shots in his first few games back.
Griffin already has more points in the first quarter tonight (11) as he did total in his first two games combined
— Rowan Kavner (@RowanKavner) April 7, 2016
Griffin would end the night with 13 points 8 rebounds and 3 assists in what was, by far, the best game since his return.
After one half of play the Clippers would lead the Lakers by 12, mostly coming because of some great Clipper defense. The defense for the red and blue side was apparent as the team had 6 steals in the first half while also swatting away 5 shots, mostly in part to DeAndre Jordan who ended his night with 4 blocks.
The second half saw the Clippers maintain the steady lead, and solid shooting from J.J. Redick, whom started the game ice-cold, is what helped the club eventually extend the lead even.
Clippers up 85-68 and maybe the starters won’t be needed again.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) April 7, 2016
The Clippers would then be able to put the game on cruise control as Bryant entered the contest a final time against his in arena foe. The Clippers would go on to win a second one in as many nights in Los Angeles 91-81.
Jordan finished the night with 15 points and 11 rebounds to go with the previously mentioned 4 blocks. Chris Paul would end up with 13 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds. Meanwhile Paul’s off-court friend in purple and gold Bryant would end his final contest against the Clippers with 17 points.
The Clippers head to Utah next to take on the Jazz Friday evening. With only 4 games remaining the Clippers are locked into that 4 spot in the West and will likely not play many starters in this game according to Head Coach Doc Rivers. A good win for Clipper Nation tonight, hopefully there are plenty more coming this season. Thanks for reading along Clipper Nation.
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