#1 – Clippers @ Cavaliers 12/1/16
Outcome:
Clippers win 113-94
Recap:
The Clippers had their best game of the season against the defending champs. They looked like the best team in the league, and this game really had people believing so. The amazing energy of the starters flowed to the bench, who played the entire 4th quarter and didn’t blow the lead. Yes, you read that correctly. The bench didn’t blow the lead, and they even extended it to as many as 27 points.
The MVP of this game was Luc Mbah a Moute. He was the primary defender of LeBron James and held him to 5-14 from the field and 16 points. Thanks to Luc, this was the first time the Clippers have ever beaten the Cavs with LeBron on the team.
Also, the Clippers had 33 assists as a team, and the Cavs only had 12. Take that for data.
I digress, this was the game that lead people to believe. Even in times of uncertainty, Clipper fans held onto this game with the smallest sliver of hope that maybe this year would be different. Maybe the Clippers could get back to playing this level of basketball, and maybe they’d get past the second round and have a legitimate shot at the title. Maybe they could have some real success in what could be the last stint the core would experience together.
*cue blake griffin injury*
Key stats:
J.J. Redick – 23 points, 4-6 from 3
Blake Griffin – 13 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds
DeAndre Jordan – 8 offensive rebounds
Chris Paul – 16 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds
Austin Rivers – 12 points, 7 assists
Best moments:
Big Hero 6 spin and slam:
Prince Luc blows by King James and does a super cool layup: