LA Clippers Takeaway # 3: This Was the Largest Win of the Season for the Clippers
In the LA Clippers’ nine wins so far this season, the 38-point margin win over the Kings was their largest this season. The Clippers have had three wins where they have won by over 20 points, but this is the first win of the season where they have won by 30 or more points. This game was also the worst loss of the season from the Kings so far this season.
The Clippers shot the ball highly efficiently overall on the offensive side of the court by going 52-of-89 (58.4%) from the field and 18-of-35 (51.4%) on three-point shots. Six of the Clippers accounted for double-digit points, including power forward Marcus Morris, who accounted for 18 points.
In the second season of Luke Walton as head coach, the Kings are not even close to the expectations set forth by their own team. The Kings are currently last in the NBA in points allowed per game (123.2), last in field-goal percentage allowed (50.1%), and 29th in three-point shooting percentage allowed (39.8%). This is surprising considering that Walton has a reputation for wanting to establish a well-balanced team.
The Clippers were able to capitalize on the errors of the coverage schemes from the Kings on Friday night. This was also a game where the rookies and second-year veterans contributed significantly in the fourth quarter against most of the starters for Sacramento. These players combined for a total of 24 points against the Kings.
The Clippers will now prepare for the Indiana Pacers (8-4) this Sunday night. The Pacers are expected to have point guard Caris LeVert ready for them after he was traded from the Houston Rockets.