LA Clippers beat Lebron James’ Cavs at the Staples Center- March 2018
The Cleveland Cavs came to Staples to play the LA Clippers in their one game home game this season vs Lebron Jame’s team. The Cavs have been struggling of late with injuries (Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson are out and Rodney Hood had to leave this game early with an injury), team chemistry (JR Smith having a team issue recently, and lackluster play and defense by pretty much everyone except for King Lebron. He is doing is best to carry them but even after their recent trade that started well the first couple games, the team has been losing quite a bit.
The Clippers on the other hand have been playing well since the start of February going 9-4 despite a tough loss last game vs New Orleans. They kicked it up a notch and beat up the Cavs 116-102 with Tobias Harris leading the way with 23 points while 5 others were in double figures including a monster game by DeAndre Jordan with 20 points and 23 rebounds. Lou Williams added 15 points and 7 assists, energizing sub Montrezl Harrell also added 20 points, Rivers with 15 and Thornwell with 14 points respectively. Overall it was a great win said coach Doc Rivers. The team played well, focused and took care of business.
James had 25 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists but got little help elsewhere. Newly acquired from the Lakers- Larry Nance Jr added 16 points and 12 rebounds and Jordan Clarkson had 21 points. The team looked in disarray and their defense was horrible. James streak of going to the NBA Finals 7 yrs in a row is in jeopardy this season.
The Clippers have the Knicks and Bulls for the next 2 games but then there is streak of 8 straight games vs playoff teams so the schedule gets tougher as we head down the stretch. The team is fighting for a playoff spot with a bunch of other teams in the Western Conference. Doc Rivers has done perhaps his best coaching job this year with all the injuries, trades, fluctuation of players and tough teams in the West to compete with. Avery Bradley will miss the rest of the regular season and Gallinari is out again. More at www.nba.com/clippers