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Three takeaways from the LA Clippers’ Christmas win

By Ryan Snellings

LA Clippers Patrick Beverley (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LA Clippers Patrick Beverley (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 25: Kawhi Leonard #2 shakes hands with head coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers during a time out in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 25: Kawhi Leonard #2 shakes hands with head coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers during a time out in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

The LA Clippers pulled off a victory versus their co-tenant Los Angeles Lakers, 111-106. Here are three takeaways from the team’s win.

The LA Clippers gave Clipper Nation the Christmas gift we all wanted, a win over the LA Lakers. Thanks to some MVP-level play from Kawhi Leonard and top-notch defense from Patrick Beverley, the team was able to beat the Lakers 111-106 in the second battle of Los Angeles this season.

Kawhi led the way with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Montrezl Harrell came off the bench to the tune of 18 points and six rebounds while Paul George struggled to find his shot, but still added in 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

For the Lakers, Kyle Kuzma was their top scorer, dropping 25 points off the bench. The superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis scored 23 and 24 points respectively.

Here are three takeaways from the Christmas showdown.

1) Doc Rivers learned his lesson

The LA Clippers entered last night’s matchup with their roster fully healthy for the first time all season. Fans were excited to finally see the rotation in full, despite the fact that they only had one practice together prior to Christmas Day.

Then, the game started. Patrick Patterson got the start at the four over Maurice Harkless, a move that made sense given the Lakers size. This move made sense, but confusion struck when the second unit entered the game.

Despite not being on the injury report and having played the last game, JaMychal Green did not come in. Fans were confused. We were confused.

After the team entered halftime down by 12 and JaMychal had a “DNP – Coach’s Decision”, we had to begin to wonder if he actually had a setback and was, in fact, injured.

Thankfully, he wasn’t and Doc realized the error of his ways. JaMychal came in and began contributing. He only dropped three points, but his ability to space the floor was huge. He also pulled down two rebounds and dished out three assists.

While the stats aren’t eye-popping, it was apparent that Doc knew he messed up.

All in all, the decision didn’t come back to haunt him since the team won. This was a good learning moment for Doc and it’s great to see him acknowledge his poor decision.

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