The LA Clippers fell on the Brooklyn Nets, 112-108, Sunday night at Staples Center for the second time this season. The game was not without controversy, as the last possession of the Angelenos marked Kawhi Leonard’s offensive foul on James Harden, although there was a first contact through ‘the beard’.
“My conclusion is that if we are going to play bully basketball at the end of the game, then it must be equal for both. But they didn’t score that he caught me first, they thought it was a good defense. No mark, we’ll say. that it was a good defense, ”Kawhi Leonard said in the only answer he gave to the media before getting up and leaving.
Anger and frustration were evident in the Angel star. That game ultimately decided the result in favor of the visitors in the final seconds, as the marker sent Harden to the free-throw line.
“They marked him, so not much more can be done now. I’m not a complainer, but some players tell me that (Harden) had his arm before Kawhi could push him. (Kawhi) himself says that Harden had his arm. “Clippers coach Tyronn Lue explains.” I don’t know why I haven’t seen it, I’ll check later, but for me the game is over and there’s nothing we can do anymore, so it is what it is. “
Paul George was unable to lie on the ground in the last part of the match due to the minute restriction he is currently on. It was only PG’s second game since returning to court after a two-week absence due to swelling in his right toe.
“I was ready to go to court, I wanted to stay in the game,” said Paul George. “I am good to go for the time being, I am healthy and I feel good.”
George had already played 33 minutes into the game, three more than originally budgeted, so the coaching staff decided not to risk it despite the difference his presence could represent in the final 2:50 minutes. PG13 was the top scorer for the Angelenos with 34 points.
“At the start of the fourth quarter the game got out of hand and we had to use (PG) again to close things out. He played really well and helped us get back in the game for a chance to win. . very difficult, we had to eliminate him in the last part, but the most important thing is his health. The health of the player is always paramount, “said coach Lue.
For coach Lue, the Clippers defense did well, but the offense was left to the call. If it wasn’t for the 34 and 29 points of Paul George and Kawhi respectively, the rest of the 8 players who saw minutes in the rotation would score 45 points. The group also gave 16 balls to a rival who is not prioritizing its delivery strategy.
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The new member of the Nets pushes Patrick Beverley after receiving an error and the two are quickly separated.
“We have been trapped. With their defense they are making a lot of adjustments and changes and we are trying to manipulate the cover and that has taken us out of our game of moving and protecting the ball. Again, it is their defense. unique and different that they use it put us off balance in our playing style, ”said Paul George.
Harden and Jordan finished double doubles; 37 points and 11 rebounds for Harden, 13 points and 11 boards for Jordan. While Kyrie Irving contributed another 28 points to the win.
It was three weeks after the first meeting between these two NBA powerhouses. In that game, Nets took the victory in a fine game in Brooklyn, 124-120. Now, in Los Angeles, Nets added another win. In the first game, Nets had the entire arsenal of the ‘Big Three’, Kevin Durant, Irving and Harden, but tonight Durant was not due to a muscle injury and they also sealed the win.
Brooklyn supports a six-game winning streak; Within that streak, they ended a successful road trip where they faced five teams from the Western Conference. They won all 5 games against the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, reigning champions Los Angeles Lakers, and Clippers.
Clippers will try to return to the Victorian on Tuesday when they host the Washington Wizards.