LA Clippers keep momentum rolling against Magic 122-95

The LA Clippers put on a commanding performance for the second straight game. Controlling the pace and sharing the ball helped the Clippers put on a show for Staples Center.

After a stretch of uninspired showings against lesser teams, the LA Clippers took down the Orlando Magic in their second consecutive statement game. The team was missing Paul George for the third straight contest. Even without their second superstar, the team was firing on all cylinders. The team shot 49% from the field and 44% from deep to go along with 29 assists and 59 team rebounds.

Kawhi Leonard posted 32 points in 30 minutes as well as 5 rebounds and 5 assists. This was Leonard’s sixth game on the year of at least 30/5/5 the team reported. We all have had some words of praise for Kawhi’s progress with his health and fit in the Clippers system, his display against the Magic confirmed that.

Kawhi wasn’t the only Clipper to show he’s getting into a stride. Seven of the eleven Clippers to play meaningful minutes in the game scored in double digits. Montrezl Harrell appeared to bounce back from an off-night against the Cavs and put 21 points with 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Despite a quiet night from Lou Williams, he reached 365 career three-pointers with the team to become the sixth all-time in three-pointers made, passing Quentin Richardson– who happened to be in attendance for the game.

Maurice Harkless did not play the second half of the game due to a sore lower back. Patrick Patterson took his place in the starting lineup after halftime. Patterson, whose role has fluctuated all season, put up 10 points on 50% shooting and grabbed 4 boards in 13 minutes of action. The team had no update on Moe’s back or the severity of his injury and announced he would be evaluated the following day.

Landry Shamet received his second start in a row. With Paul George being sidelined, Shamet has been instrumental to the starting lineup’s success in the last two games. Doc Rivers has talked about not doing a good job of getting the sophomore into rhythm earlier in games. The head coach has appeared to put words into action- the team has made a concerted effort to get Shamet looks, running multiple plays to find him open looks. Shamet also led the team in minutes played against Orlando, a sign of growing confidence and continued focus on the young shooter’s cadence.

Perhaps the player of the night was forward JaMychal Green. The hard-playing reserve had quite a performance in his 23 minutes. Green had a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds. While he did not shoot particularly well on 3 of 7 from the field, including 1 of 5 from three, he made up for it in hustle.

Green continues to do tons of dirty work, put himself in the right place at the right time on the defensive end, and play with great effort on every possession. His teammates were so impressed they showered him with water during his postgame interview. It continues to be clear why Kawhi Leonard and Paul George called him over the summer to ask him to re-sign with the Clippers.

The team appears to be gelling in a way everyone has been waiting for them to. The defense has looked locked in and the players look a lot more comfortable in play actions. Doc’s coaching staff seems to be playing to everyone’s strengths and its translating on the court. This was the thirteenth game on the season the Clippers have held an opponent under 100 points and the third game in their last five scoring over 120 points putting them back in the top five for offensive and defensive ratings.

The LA Clippers couldn’t be clicking at a better time as they are about to embark on a road trip that will keep them away from their homecourt for the next six games (the sixth game being in Staples Center against the Lakers). These last two trounces could just be the confidence and momentum builders the team needs to have a successful trip on the road.