The Clippers return to Crypto.com Arena after a four-game road trip marked by four defeats, including the last three with James Harden. Facing the Grizzlies, dead last in the Western Conference with only one success since the start of the season until then, it is the perfect opportunity for “The Beard” to relaunch himself.
Except that Los Angeles still has no offensive rhythm and Memphis takes advantage behind a 3-point barrage.
Loose balls from Paul George and company also allow the Grizzlies to run and make an initial gap. The good news for the Clippers is that their opponents have a lot of trouble making a difference on the dribble, and therefore abuse the outside shot. With better defense in the second quarter, this allowed Steve Ballmer’s players to pick up the score, even if Memphis was well ahead (52-45) at the break.
Paul George tries as best he can to set the pace, but Bismack Biyombo’s offensive rebounds hurt Los Angeles, which begins the last quarter 11 points behind (79-68).
James Harden on the bench almost the entire fourth quarter
Tyronn Lue needs to find rhythm and so he trusts Paul George as leader, with Russell Westbrook, Norman Powell, Terance Mann and PJ Tucker to support him. And it works since the Clippers are getting back together by finally finding skill and momentum. The Grizzlies are on the verge of collapse but Desmond Bane scores five consecutive points which do good, to calm his teammates but also his opponents.
The end of the match was extremely tense between two teams lacking direction, while James Harden finally reappeared two minutes from the end of the match…
The 2018 MVP also scored a 3-pointer to equalize (98-98) straight away. Except that Kawhi Leonard hesitates then misses a layup, while James Harden sees his 3-pointer hit by David Roddy. The same Roddy who scores an ultra-precious layup, following a decisive pass from Marcus Smart.
Kawhi Leonard misses another shot and the Grizzlies therefore escape (105-101) after securing free throws. This is only their second success of the season, while it is the fourth defeat for the Clippers, Harden version.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Operation in pairs. Tyronn Lue is looking for combinations that work, and so he has two pairs working: Paul George and Russell Westbrook on one side, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard on the other. The first duo lost a lot of balls but brought rhythm. The second duo was in slow motion…
– Grizzlies in battle. How difficult it was for Memphis, who lack players capable of creating gaps in the opponent. Desmond Bane finds himself having to force, therefore losing efficiency, while the team relies mainly on his 3-point skill to make the difference. Enough to also weigh down Jaren Jackson Jr, who rushed headfirst into the Clippers defenders all evening, without success (3/15 shooting…).
– The impact of Bismack Biyombo. Arriving at the last minute, and directly propelled into the starting position with the injuries to Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke and Xavier Tillman, the Congolese did well under the circle. 13 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks for him, even if his clumsiness with free throws allowed the Clippers to believe in it until the end.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
