Even a Kawhi Leonard half spared and in top form did not change anything… In New Orleans, the Clippers lost for the second in two nights, and they slipped to 6th place in the Western Conference, overwhelmed by the Warriors, and now under the direct threat of… Pelicans, winners 122-114.
Like the day before, in Memphis, the Clippers had made the best start thanks to a fresh and untouchable Leonard. It’s great Kawhi, and the Powell-Westbrook duo brings a lot of punch (24-15). The Pelicans limit the damage thanks to a very complicated “fadeaway” from Ingram on the truffle of this same Leonard. This basket, almost at the buzzer of the 1st quarter, causes a click, and the Pelicans pick up the score with a CJ McCollum difficult to contain for the Clippers. At the break, the Clippers only lead by one point (56-55).
When they return from the locker room, the level goes up a notch, and the two teams miss almost nothing. Everyone is looking for the knockout and Leonard responds to the power, or even the distant address, of Jonas Valanciunas. The Lithuanian gives the advantage on a 3-point basket in the axis: 77-75. Place then in the crossover, where we go blow for blow. Ingram is at his best, Leonard too, and Trey Murphy gratifies us with a Jordanian lay-up under the circle.
Finally, it’s Ingram who takes over with still complicated shots, and despite a big defense from the Clippers. The winger gives the Pelicans a seven-point lead (111-104) with four minutes remaining. Leonard responds to him in stride, and the two engage in a “fadeaway” contest. It is Larry Nance Jr who referees the duel. At the start, a two-man take on Ingram who finds Murphy on the opposite side. The pass is complicated but Murphy volleyball for Nance who arrives in trailer to score in power. The Clippers won’t come back, and the Pelicans win 122-114.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
Another five unheard of at the Clippers. Eric Gordon hit in the hip, Tyronn Lue started with Norman Powell. This gives a lot of punch to the attack, but it plucks the bench. The Pelicans entered the game, at the time of the first rotations.
“Tie breaker”. With this victory, the Pelicans ensure the “tie-breaker” on the Clippers in the event of a tie. They also have it on the Lakers and the Thunder!
TOPS & FLOPS
✅Brandon Ingram. His game has completely evolved by his ability to attack the circle, but also to create play. The proof, he did not take the slightest 3-point shot! His duel with Leonard reached heights in the 4th quarter.
✅Jonas Valanciunas. It was he who dominated the 3rd quarter when the Pelicans finally took control. The Lithuanian offers alternation in the game.
✅Kawhi Leonard. It’s hard to fault him for anything. Everything seems easy with him since the All-Star Game.
✅Russell Westbrook. Good Westbrook with skill and rhythm. Some shots looked like snacks, but he put in. Even with the board.
⛔The Clippers bench. It was when Tyronn Lue gave his executives a break that the Pelicans erased their deficit by ten points. Terance Mann no longer has the impact he used to have.
THE FOLLOWING
New Orleans (40-38) : Sacramento reception Tuesday night.
LA Clippers (41-38) : the derby against the Lakers on Wednesday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIPhUSBc8UY
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
