The Los Angeles Clippers once again demonstrated their power and offensive potential. This time they did it against the Washington Wizards, in a match which was all about one team. Doc Rivers’ guys won with 150-125.
Several hours after Lakers lost their game against the Dallas Mavs, their city rivals used that chance to decrease the gap between them in the Eastern Conference standings. And they did it pretty confidently. The Clippers had 82 points in the first half, which is the most-efficient first half this season. Also, it is the fifth time in the franchise history to post an 80+points first half.
“We had a good night. Everything was clicking offensively,” said Paul George.
It was a pure joy to watch the opening period with teams combining for 74 points, and Clippers having a small edge, 39-35. But what we saw in the second, could only make the home fans happy.
The boys from LA destroyed the guests dropping 43 points and allowing just 12. George had a role of his own since midway of the same, scoring 11 points while hosts pulled away. Clippers would open the period with nine straight points, to get the swing and after that harrassed the Wizards, who didn’t know how to avoid their second blowout here in LA. They lost against the Lakers on Friday, also with a high margin, 125-103.
After that, it was all easy for the hosts, who were 82-60 at the halftime. It was a perfect way to forget an uncomfortable defeat in San Antonio, where Spurs’ defense irritated the LAC.
The above-mentioned George had 31 points in 30 minutes on the floor, with him and Kawhi checking out with six minutes to go in the fourth. He also added 8 boards and hit four threes.
“We just tried to keep him involved in a lot of actions,” said Harrell about George’s first half. “He had a hot hand early, and we just tried to make sure we kept feeding him, kept getting him open, and let him score the basketball.”
Rivers was pleased his players recognized the situation, and continued playing for PG.
“I thought it was a conscious effort by them,” he said. “We ran the first play for him that was me, but after that it was them.”
Leonard scored 34 while shooting 14 for 21, with 6 rebounds.
Duo off the bench, Harrell-Williams, was also perfect. Trez had 23 points and career-high 15 boards, while Sweet Lou added 22 points with 8 assists.
“It’s just about playing the game the right way, and it rewards you back,” added Harrell about his performance.
KAWHI BETWEEN TWO WIZARDS 🖐 pic.twitter.com/0Xg7gFEl1Z
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 2, 2019
Wizards’ No.1 star Bradley Beal scored 23 points with 11 assists and 5 boards, not hitting a three-pointer in four shots. The guy who impressed in this tough loss was Rui Hachimura with 30 points, 9 boards, and 3 assists. The rookie from Gonzaga is indicating over the past few games that he could develop into a serious player.
The Wizards (6-12) tonight ended a four-game Western Conference tour with only one win against the Phoenix Suns, and respective losses to the Nuggets, Lakers and the Clips. They are now heading back to DC to play the next two contests at Capital One Arena. At first, the Orlando Magic are coming to town on Tuesday, and after that, Wizards host Philadelphia 76ers this Thursday.
On the other side, the LAC (15-6) have two very tough opponents in the next seven days. At first, Rivers’ boys host Portland Trail Blazers this Tuesday, while on Friday, they meet with Giannis and his Milwaukee Bucks, but at Fiserv Forum.
Nikola Velickovic is a sports journalist who loves to write and read on all sports. Nikola contributes both news updates and functions as a sports breaking news writer at WagerBop.
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