LA Clippers fall to New Orleans, Golden State- January 2019
The New Orleans Pelicans came to town vs the struggling LA Clippers. The game was close at the start but the visitors started to pull away and took a 20 point in the 3rd quarter before the Clippers came storming back. The Pelicans were led by Anthony Davis, who was unstoppable inside and ended with 46 points and 16 rebounds. Julius Randle and Jrue Holiday were great support to Davis with 27 and 19 points respectively. Holiday is a great two way player and definitely one if the most underrated guards in the league. Randle was a great pickup from the Lakers and has proven his worth.
The Clippers were led by super sub Montez Harrell ( who is one of the top candidates for 6th man of the year ) as he ended with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Dino Gallinari has had a career year averaging 19 points, 6 rebounds and shooting over 45% from the field – the only player in nba history with those averages. He finished with 25 points. Tobias Harris is also having a career year averaging 18 points, 8 rebounds and shooting over 50% from the field- also the only NBA player in history to average those stats and he had 21 points. Lou Williams had an off night going 6-18. LA is hurting with guard scoring especially if Williams is not hot. Bradley and Beverly are defensive specialists but are not good shooters. Rookie Alexander was scoreless and has been in a slump. That leaves Ty Wallace, who can score but is inconsistent.
Coach Rivers said the team was flat and it was tough to spot a tram that much while giving up offensive rebounds while also turning the ball over too much.
The LA Clippers took on the NBA champion Golden St Warriors on Jan 18th and found out right before game time they would be short handed with Lou Williams out with a groin injury. Things got worse when when Dino Gallanari had to leave the game with back spasms and did not return. Even with the Warriors at full strength including starting center DeMarcus Cousins making his season debut, LA kept it close through the first half. Tobias Harris led the scoring (28 points) with rookie Alexander (24 points) having perhaps his best game of the season. The visitors took over in the 3rd quarter with Curry (28 points) and Durant (24 points) getting hot. Cousins contributed as well despite foul trouble and ended with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Final was 112-94 as the second half was never close.
Big games coming up before the all star game
More at www.nba.com/Clippers.