Absent for 12 games, Kawhi Leonard found the Clippers’ five major against the Pistons. The latter, deprived of Cade Cunningham, were easy prey for the Californians, even if it was very complicated for the troop of Tyronn Lue, late at halftime and who had to whip to finally win (96-91 ).
Without rhythm for a large part of the meeting, Los Angeles had to wait for its replacements to revive (a little) the machine, before making the difference, in talent and experience, at the end.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The return of Kawhi Leonard. This was obviously the news of the evening. Kawhi Leonard was back… and there’s work to be done. So that he finds rhythm (6 points at 2/8, 5 rebounds, 4 assists but +26 +/-) but above all so that his teammates learn to play with him, despite his absences.
– The Clippers’ lack of pace. It is undoubtedly partly linked to the return of Kawhi Leonard, but it is also a recurring fact for the troop of Tyronn Lue. There is a real lack of collective rhythm in the Clippers’ game, with actions limited to two players, and very little movement away from the ball. Especially in the major five. It often ends with a shot without lag, against defenses in place.
– The awkwardness of the Pistons. If they really weren’t transcendent on offense, the Clippers at least got the job done on defense. The young Pistons also helped them by missing the majority of their shots. 33/88 (38%) in total, including 6/31 from 3-pointers (19%). With a little skill, there was enough to leave with victory.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Reggie Jackson. He is still motivated against the Pistons and he showed it again, especially in the second quarter, with 23 points at 7/12 shooting, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
✅ Marcus Morris. His first half was missed, but it was he who made the difference after the break, with important shots that cut Detroit’s legs.
⛔ Paul George. The former Pacers and Thunder is placed in lieutenant of Kawhi Leonard, but it is very difficult to locate as soon as “The Klaw” is on the ground. His overall performance (16 points at 5/18, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 ball losses) was very disappointing, since he never managed to take matters into his own hands.
⛔ Jaden Ivey/Killian Hayes. Can’t wait for Cade Cunningham to come back to put some order in the lead for Detroit. Because between a Killian Hayes who wants to spin but doesn’t watch the circle enough, and who is clumsy (1/8) when he does, and a Jaden Ivey who doesn’t watch his teammates enough (18 points to 8/21 at shooting, 1/7 to 3-pointers, 5 assists and 4 ball losses) and is often content to rush headlong, it’s not brilliant…
THE FOLLOWING
LA Clippers (9-7): Los Angeles continues, still at home, against Spurs tomorrow night (4:30 a.m.)
Detroit (3-13): back-to-back in Los Angeles, with the duel against the Lakers next night (4:30 a.m.)
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