The LA Clippers have to wake up after a 104-101 loss against the Heat

The theme of Sunday afternoon’s 104-101 loss to the Miami Heat is WAKE UP. Wake up on defense, wake up on offense. Moving forward the LA Clippers as a unit has to wake up.

The LA Clippers have officially entered a two game losing streak after yet another heartbreaking defeat early in the regular season. This time was to the Miami Heat who practically had the opportunity to take the Clippers’ offense and defense and do with them what they wished.

The Starters

Everyone seemed to rely on Blake Griffin who throughout the game was completely unlike himself. Although he went on to score 23 points, shooting only about 44% (8/18). Like his fellow starters, he just couldn’t find the rhythm that he needed in the early game. Alongside him on the front court was Danilo Gallinari who only played 13 minutes, was pulled from the game due to a left hip contusion. He went on to score 6 points, grab 1 rebound and 1 assist.

In the back court was Austin Rivers who was definitely feeling the heat, missing a pair of free throws to extend a 101-100 lead in the fourth, was able to round up12 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 1 block. With him was Patrick Beverly who was a dog on the defensive end further proving why he’s one of the best defenders in the league. He was able to contribute 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

In the center spot was DeAndre Jordan who’s efforts added 10 points, 19 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block.

All day the Clippers were suffering from a complete disconnect from one another. Their lack of communication and ball movement is becoming such an issue for the Clips and today it showed. By the end the first half the Clippers gave up 62 points which was practically the beginning of their downfall. Down 62-49 at the beginning of third, the starters just couldn’t seem to get a grip on the game. With 10 turnovers, a 25 point deficit and an offensive end that just wasn’t flowing the game seemed over far before the final buzzer.

The Bench

Foreshadowing tonight’s game, you almost don’t expect the bench to be the star of the show. Most notably Lou Williams who single-handedly resurrected the Clippers’ offense, cutting a 23 point lead into 16. He was dominant in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 points before being subbed out for Austin Rivers. Sweet Lou’s contributions totaled out at 22 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Note that Lou Will was one of the only two Clippers that scored more than 20 points aside from Griffin.

https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/927301892971130882

Lou’s scoring outburst was what triggered a massive break in the Clippers’ offense. And with a little over 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter the Clips had the Heat on their heals forcing an amazing 24-4 run. It wasn’t enough for a win but it’s evident who amongst the team is able to keep their head in the game. They continued to fight despite being down so much so early in the game. Even when the starters had their heads down after just the 1st quarter, the second unit never gave up. The pressure from the Heat wasn’t enough to stop the team in it’s entirety.

In Closing

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Game’s like today’s are ones that worry me about the Clippers’ as a whole. Early in the regular season they displayed such tenacity and promise. In the last couple of games they’re beginning to lack everything they’d been praised for before. They were the only team to keep their opposing team below the 100 point threshold and now their giving up 40 plus in the first half. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still a lot that the Clippers are doing right. But there’s also a plethora of things that are being done wrong. And that’s where the team’s future lies. Moving forward they have to wake up and correct these mistakes or we’re going to be seeing more and more of exactly what happened today.

Sunday’s game ended in a 104-101 match-up against the Heat in what could’ve been one of the greatest comeback wins in NBA history. Unfortunately it wasn’t. Luckily we’re only 9 games in and it’s still very early. I will remain optimistic.

On Tuesday the Clippers will look to bounce back against the San Antonio Spurs. We here at Clipperholics will be watching the game! Be sure to follow us @ClipperholicsFS on Twitter for live updates during the game.

Final:

Blake Griffin: 23pts/ 8reb/ 4ast/ 2stl
Danilo Gallinari: 6pts/ 1reb/ 1ast
DeAndre Jordan: 10pts/ 19reb/ 3ast/ 1blk
Austin Rivers: 12pts/ 2reb/ 3ast/ 4stl/ 1blk
Patrick Beverly: 8pts/ 8reb/ 2ast/ 2stl/ 1blk
Lou Williams: 22pts/ 2reb/ 2ast
Wesley Johnson: 6pts/ 5reb/ 1ast/ 1blk
Willie Reed: 10pts/ 4reb/ 1stl
Sam Dekker: 2pts/ 1reb/ 2stl
Sindarius Thornwell: 2pts

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