In their first game without Kawhi Leonard, the LA Clippers had a rough outing against the Utah Jazz. Here are a few things we learned from the 110-96 loss.
The LA Clippers played their first game without Kawhi Leonard Wednesday night, which resulted in a 110-96 loss to the Utah Jazz.
The loss was to be expected — it’s early, but the Jazz defense looks to be the real deal, as it has for the last several years. Thanks in part to Rudy Gobert‘s stifling presence in the paint, Utah has yet to give up 100 points in a game so far this season. LA’s 96 is the most they’ve allowed thus far.
Leonard’s absence was a bit more surprising, but it was bound to happen eventually. The star forward previously stated that his load management wouldn’t be as intensive this season now that he’s healthy, but it seems as though the decision was made to keep him in that shape.
After all, it’s better to lose a few games here and there but have him healthy for the postseason than the alternative, which could doom the Clippers’ title chances.
Fortunately, Leonard is expected to return to action tonight when the Clippers host the undefeated San Antonio Spurs.
LA kept things close versus Utah for the entirety of the first half, going into the break trailing by just one point. Lou Williams was the one leading the charge for the Clippers, recording 16 points, three rebounds and four assists.
Things went downhill in the second half.
Mike Conley, noted Clipper killer, scored 18 of his 29 points in the third quarter, which was essentially what put the Clippers out of the game for good. It was a surprising resurgence for Conley, who came into the night averaging just 7.8 points on 20.0 shooting from the field and 15.0 percent shooting from three-point range.
That said, some Clippers fans weren’t too shocked by Conley’s big night. He has a reputation for playing some of his best games against LA, dating back to the Lob City era.
The Clippers fell to 3-2 with the loss, bringing them down to 9th place in the Western Conference. We are just five games into the regular season though, so it’s far too early to pay attention to standings.
Before we get too deep into things, let’s take a look at what we learned from Wednesday’s matchup.