LA Clippers win 2 of 3 important home games as playoffs approach- March 2019
The LA Clippers have had an incredible unique season. They started off with high hopes and were playing pretty well before Tobias Harris got traded in what looked like to be a rebuild and cap space move. However, the young new additions of sharp shooter Landry Shamet and veteran Wilson Chandler, big center Zubac from the Lakers, power forward Jamychael Green and defensive wiz Garrett Temple coming over, the team has went 13-4. Of course a lot as to do with some of their core players- Gallinari having a stellar season, Beverly shooting and playing great defense and perhaps the 2 best off the bench duo in NBA history (Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell) playing fantastic.
They had a few tough home games and beat Oklahoma City in a close tough matchup with Paul George fouling out and Russell Westbrook kept in somewhat intact. Lou Williams ended with 40 points and they won 118-110. Next up was Kyrie Irving and the Celtics and the Clippers routed them big time. Boston didn’t really show up and it was all over by the 3rd quarter. Final was 140-115 with Williams once again leading the way with 34 points.
They ended up losing in the back to back to Portland the next night with Gallinari sitting out to get some rest. Portland was led by CJ McCullum who was on fire in the 4th quarter and they pulled away 125-104. Doc Rivers has done a remarkable job and the Clips are headed for the Playoffs. They will lose a first round pick as part of an agreement with Boston but the team took off with great chemistry, players playing at their peaks and taking the challenge when many people thought they would tank or just not have enough. It is ironic that the Clippers found ways to win and have salary cap space next year for a key free agent or two while the Lakers have fallen apart.
More at www.nba.com/clippers