Between the derby aspect, the reunion between LeBron James (33 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) and Kawhi Leonard (25 points, 7 rebounds), as well as those between Russell Westbrook (14 points) and his former team, not to mention the issue in the standings for two tied franchises (41-38) and who are aiming for the Top 6 in the West, this duel between the Clippers and the Lakers had something to intrigue and above all attract.
Except that the context was favorable to the Clippers, who unlike the Lakers had not played an extension the day before, and this is precisely what propelled them in the first half (71-52), to then manage a lead of ten points throughout the second period, in order to win logically (125-118).
With their victory, the Clippers return to 5th in their conference, but with a record identical to that of 6th (Golden State), while the Lakers remain 7th, but under threat from 8th (New Orleans) and 9th (Minnesota), located at most one game apart.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— The Clippers did the job. In a strong position on the physical level, because more rested despite recent results sawtooth, the men of Tyronn Lue did not leave the possibility to the Lakers to overtake them in the standings. Authoritarian, they offered a quality first half to immediately put their neighbor’s head under water, thanks to their offensive strike force. More jostled after the break, in particular by a transfigured LeBron James, the Clippers nevertheless held firm and kept the lead, with their success at 3-pointers, the contribution of their bench or their ability to make their free throws.
— The pressure is back on the Lakers. Overall missed their meeting, without it being alarming because it was a “back-to-back” at the end of overtime, LeBron James’ teammates however missed a great opportunity to integrate the Top 6 in the West. Instead, they have to settle for staying in 7th place, but since the Pelicans won tonight, they’re tied with them in 8th, in addition to being only one game ahead of the Pelicans. Wolves, 9th. Suffice to say that the next few days promise to be explosive, while the Suns – undefeated with Kevin Durant – arrive in town in two days…
— Los Angeles remains blue, white and red. It has now been three years, or 11 straight games, that the Angeleno derby was won by the Clippers. The last time the Lakers won against their neighbor was in the Orlando “bubble” in July 2020 and they will now have to wait until next season to end this period of scarcity.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Norman Powell. The X factor of this game, quite simply. Coming off the bench, the Clippers’ sixth man made misery for the Lakers’ defense (27 points), taking full advantage of the minutes without Anthony Davis to attack the paint and attract fouls (therefore free throws). A welcome boost for his team, both to widen the gap in the first half and to resist the opposing attacks in the second half. And confirmation, if necessary, that he is one of the best substitutes in the league. Note, too, the good performances of Bones Hyland and Terance Mann, precious at 3-points (5/8).
⛔✅ LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Two-speed match for the leaders of the Lakers who, after a disappointing first half, then found their colors to revive their team in the third quarter (25 points out of 30). In the wake of their pair LeBron / Davis, finally aggressive in attack and which set the tone in defense, the “Purple & Gold” inflicted a 19-3 on the Clippers to come back to -8, but this momentum of the second half could not be confirmed thereafter. Despite the efforts of James, limited to 3 points at the break and who did not stop pushing to pick up the score.
⛔ The Lakers first half. If the Lakers were up to 24 points behind and ran out of juice to validate their comeback, it’s because they were starting from too far and because they delivered a horrible first period, it’s the word. Unrecognizable in defense, unable to stop the Clippers from running or firing 3-pointers, Darvin Ham’s men also struggled in attack, as their loss of balls cost dearly and their lack of energy generated little movement with the ball. But the return to the locker room woke up the team, and in particular the LeBron / Davis duo.
THE FOLLOWING
LA Clippers (42-38) : Portland reception, Saturday evening (10:00 p.m.).
LA Lakers (41-39) : reception of Phoenix, on the night of Friday to Saturday (04:30).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D= defensive rebound; T = Total Bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
