The Clippers took a big step towards the playoffs this Saturday by taking the best of a valiant Blazers team, yet deprived of their major elements. Here they are now fifth in the west with the tie-breaker on Golden State, one game from the finish.
The Blazers, however, made a strong impression in the first half to get the upper hand over the Clippers, who were on a mission. Portland dominated the proceedings thanks to a Watford-Sharpe tandem in full success with 39 of the 70 points scored by Chauncey Billups’ men at the break (70-64). Efforts from Ivica Zubac, Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard before the break, however, kept the Californians in the game.
It was good for them since the meeting completely changed when they returned from the locker room. It was Nicolas Batum who launched the revolt with three 3-point missiles that reversed the dynamics of the meeting in less than three minutes (72-80). There followed a shower of baskets behind the arc for LA, with Eric Gordon, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard twice, and Robert Covington who inexorably increased the gap in favor of the men of Tyronn Lue (96- 109).
After the good passage of Bones Hyland at the end of the third quarter, it was Norman Powell and Mason Plumlee who ensured a sufficient gap until the end to offer the Clippers a 43rd victory almost synonymous with direct qualification for the playoffs (136- 125).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Batman mode activated for Nicolas Batum. While the Clippers had a drink in the first half against the B team of the Blazers, Batman came out of the shadows to put his team back on the right track. The French veteran penalized the opposing defense with three 3-pointers that allowed LA to take the lead and race to victory. Three sequences which also illustrated the well-oiled collective of the troops of Tyronn Lue, in which the ball circulates well and Nicolas Batum can only flourish.
– Kevin Knox has the quarter of his life. As he revives since his arrival in Oregon, the winger caught fire on his return from the locker room by compiling 16 points in the third quarter, including three 3-point baskets which delayed the deadline. Author of 30 points, his performance unfortunately went unnoticed, the Clippers having dominated these 12 minutes on the score of 45 to 26!
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Kawhi Leonard. A constant threat to the opposing defence. He was also part of his team’s third-quarter heatstroke. Another full game from him.
✅ Russell Westbrook. The leader is indeed back in top form and showed it again with a very serious performance, a symbol of a successful adaptation to his new environment.
✅ Norman Powell. The winger is no longer suffering from his shoulder if we rely on his investment and his aggressiveness deployed in this match. 23 points and 5 assists off the bench is what the Clippers need from him.
THE FOLLOWING
LA (41-35) : the Clippers will travel to Phoenix for their last game of the regular season (9:30 p.m.).
Portland (38-38) : the Blazers will also host Golden State this Sunday (9:30 p.m.).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVQHnlxT0Kc
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.
