LA Clippers lose close overtime game vs the Boston Celtics missing many key players- Jan 2025

The Clippers gave their fans an unforgettable showdown at the Intuit Dome last night, taking the Celtics to overtime despite missing four of their biggest stars—James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac. In a gritty display of heart and hustle, the shorthanded Clippers showed they’re not just about their marquee names.

Derrick Jones Jr. had a night to remember, exploding for a career-high 29 points. Kevin Porter Jr. added 26 points, while Amir Coffey dropped 24, keeping the team alive against a tough Celtics squad. Backup center Neemias Queta contributed 11 points, making his presence felt in the paint, while Jaden Springer stepped up big-time, hitting clutch shots late in the game and playing stellar defense.

The Celtics, who were also without key players Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford, leaned on their stars Jayson Tatum (24 points), Jaylen Brown (25 points), and Derrick White (20 points). Both teams played through fatigue, knowing they have a tough back-to-back schedule.

This game was actually the first of two for both teams on Thursday night, as they kicked off the NBA’s latest scheduling experiment. The Celtics’ thrilling overtime win sets the tone for their clash against LeBron and the Lakers, while the Clippers will look to bounce back with a rested roster against the Wizards.

Fans who doubted the Clippers’ depth got their answer: this team doesn’t back down, no matter the odds. For more on this epic game and upcoming Clippers matchups, check out their official website: www.clippers.com.