The LA Clippers will look to bounce back from a disheartening loss on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Golden State Warriors in Game 4.
Series Overview:
First and foremost, the LA Clippers need to win this game if they still want a shot at winning the series. A loss here, and their backs will be against the wall when they face elimination in Game 5 at Oracle Arena. After a crushing 105-132 loss to Golden State on Thursday, the Clippers will look to tie up the series 2-2 today.
The Clippers were torched by Kevin Durant on Thursday. Durant scored 38 points and reminded everyone, especially the Clippers, who exactly he was. The Warriors did exactly what I, and many others, predicted: focused the offense around Durant. He exploded for 27 of his points in the first half alone.
So far, LA has seen the treatment of what a cohesive Warriors squad has done to virtually every other one of their playoff opponents. However, the Clippers sent shock waves through the NBA and Golden State’s locker room by pulling off the greatest comeback in NBA playoffs history in Game 2.
This Clippers squad is one that won’t lay down and die. They’ll keep punching back, as they have everything to prove and nothing to lose. As the saying goes, once you’ve known what it’s like to be hungry, you’ll never be full.
What To Expect Today:
Look for the LA Clippers to come out swinging. If Ivica Zubac, who has struggled mightily to be productive, can contribute positively, this will bode well for LA. Big Zu needs to be productive in order to take some of the offensive pressure off of our guards, who are simply outmatched by Golden State’s starters.
If Zubac can’t get it going, expect Montrezl Harrell to be the sparkplug around the rim for the Clippers. In Game 3 he contributed 15 points and will look to be a greater help this afternoon. Harrell balled out in the first two games and is averaging 22 points per game in this first-round series.
Look for the Clippers to focus the offense around forward Danilo Gallinari. Per ESPN, head coach Doc Rivers believes the key to this game is getting Gallinari going offensively. In Game 3, Gallo had one of his worst nights this season. He went 0-8 from deep, shot 2-13 overall, and only contributed nine points in 26 minutes on the floor.
Gallinari can contribute in a great capacity, and has so far except for Game 3. He put up 24 points in Game 2 and shot over 50% from deep. His needs to prove he’s a consistent postseason contributor for the Clippers. Gallo is a 6’11” small forward who can play the 3 through 5 spots offensively, drive, pass, and shoot well. He needs to have a monster night if the Clippers hope to win.
Golden State’s reserve center, Damian Jones (out), is the only injury to report for this matchup.
Follow Clipperholics on Twitter for live updates throughout today’s matchup! Also, Happy Birthday to our very own, Ralph Lawler!