LA Clippers barely scrape out a win in Phoenix: 3 takeaways

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 10: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Boban Marjanovic #51 of the LA Clippers stands on the sidelines during a time-out from the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 10, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Clippers defeated the Suns 123-119 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Bad

There was a lot of bad. Let’s start with Boban.

The big man got the starting nod for the second game in a row and for the second time did not show a lot. He scored only six points and grabbed eight rebounds and didn’t do much else. Boban started the game off forcing up two shots against Ayton that just aren’t ones you want him taking.

(Via NBA.com)

A fadeaway hook from outside of the paint just is not an ideal move. He followed it up a couple possessions later with the same type of move. Boban can be good in spurts for this team, but the experiment of starting him just hasn’t worked.

I would expect Gortat to get the start tonight and it makes sense considering he was part of not only the Clippers best lineup, but one of the best in the league.

Montrezl Harrell also had a poor showing, only adding nine points off the bench. He was outshone by both Deandre Ayton (20 points, 12 rebounds) and Richaun Holmes (19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks).

In fact, not one player off the Clippers’ bench scored in double-digits – a first for the season. This likely won’t happen again and honestly cannot if LA wants to continue to stay in the playoff hunt.