The Thunder had not played since Monday evening while the Clippers had just won in Dallas on Wednesday evening. This is the first imbalance between the two formations. The second is even more notable: Kawhi Leonard, so brilliant for three weeks, is not in uniform because, officially, injured in the hip. Los Angeles' nine-game winning streak was therefore in great danger.
The start of the match confirms this, with Josh Giddey hitting three times from 3-point range. Then he injured his left ankle and didn't come back. The Thunder dominated the first quarter (35-29) and kept control of the second, despite a reaction from the Californians before the break (64-59).
The Clippers are on a good dynamic and James Harden then Paul George are responsible for putting their team in front. But it doesn't hold because Mark Daigneault's troops then respond with a 13-0 and widen the gap again before the last act (109-92). The Clippers' luck has passed, the Thunder can move towards a quiet victory (134-115).
What you must remember
– The 13-0 which repels the Clippers. We felt that the legs were heavy on the Los Angeles side. However, little by little, James Harden and his teammates managed to come back. With three winning baskets at the start of the third quarter, they went in front and we said to ourselves that this shock was about to begin. In reality, it just ended… The Thunder then went 13-0 with baskets from everyone. Chet Holmgren even allows himself an alley-oop with the board. The Clippers are on the ropes again, they won't come back.
– End of series for Los Angeles. First defeat in December for Tyronn Lue's men. After nine victories in a row, the series ends and it is logical, given the circumstances of this match. The Clippers will only be able to regret this moment, at 73-72, where they passed in front and then took the tide. But throughout the meeting, they were clearly a tone below.
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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.
