LA Clippers win in Atlanta 116-103
The LA Clippers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 116-103, breaking their 9 game losing streak.
IT FINALLY HAPPENED. The LA Clippers broke their 9 game losing streak, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 116-103. The win did come against a team who has their own share of struggles, but it still has to feel good to finally get back on the right side of the win/loss column.
The Good
Blake Griffin triple-doubled. After a weak game against the Knicks on Monday, Griffin bounced back in the best way possible. He knocked down three three-pointers in route to his 26 points and led the team in assists. Maybe he needs to hang out with Kendall Jenner after games more often.
Austin Rivers also bounced back, scoring 18 points on very efficient shooting. However, the true hero of the night was someone none of us expected.
Wesley Johnson. Johnson scored his highest points total since joining the LA Clippers three seasons ago. The 24 points were huge and he capitalized on the ball movement that was present for the first time in a while this season. It seemed like he couldn’t miss, as he dropped 6 of his 7 attempts from deep. With Gallinari out another week at least, production like this from Wes will be huge for the team.
The Bad
Yes, it’s a win, but it’s only against the Hawks. They were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league, so this win does have to be taken with a grain of salt.
The bad news that broke before the game still lingers over all of us. Patrick Beverley is done for the year after having surgery on his knee today. Obviously, the team will have to make big adjustments going forward. Both of the opening night guards are injured and there is no timetable for when Milos Teodosic will come back.
The other bad? DeAndre Jordan still looked lackadasical. Yes, he put up 14 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, but there were several plays where he looked checked out. It’s possibly tied to rumors that his name is coming up in trade discussions, but the big man needs to keep playing.
The Clippers face off against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, as they try to win two in a row.