Following a hard-fought win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the LA Clippers got the job done in their cross-town rivalry. Head coach Tyronn Lue orchestrated a near-perfect game plan which resulted in the team’s seventh win of the season. Additionally, the Clippers did not show any signs of slowing down behind the contributions from the two-way superstar, Paul George.
Furthermore, George carried the Clippers again with 29 points, six rebounds, and four assists while shooting 10-17 from the field in 36 minutes. Not to mention he was also tied for a game-high in +/- with a +16. This adds that George made the most out of each minute he stepped on the court.
In addition, several others dominated the season’s second Battle of LA. One player who deserves his flowers, yet again, is the slashing wing, Norman Powell. As the Lakers were making a run in the second half, Powell came out with an aggressive mindset, finishing the game with 18 points and three assists in 24 minutes of playing time.
Moreover, this win gives the LA Clippers much-needed momentum as they await the return of the franchise centerpiece Kawhi Leonard. Currently, the team is playing sensational basketball on both ends of the floor. Although there are some minor issues, Lue’s squad has been on a roll, hence the 5-1 record in the last six games.
The LA Clippers are living up to the hype with another phenomenal outing against the Lakers.
After the season’s first few games, LA Clipper fans began to worry that the team may not meet the expectations placed on their shoulders. These concerns were quickly turned around during the Clippers’ three-game win streak, along with countless notable performances from George.
One of the main reasons the Clippers came out on top in the Battle of LA was because of the strategy set by Lue. In his post-game presser, Lue mentioned how he wanted George to approach the game over the former Clipper, Patrick Beverley. The staff understood that there was a noticeable size difference between these two and that George’s elite mid-range scoring was the best way to structure the offense.
Ty Lue on Pat Bev vs. Paul George: “We told PG to catch it and shoot it right over the top of him.” pic.twitter.com/FI2olB5jDj
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 10, 2022
Despite the bright spots, the floor-spacing wing Robert Covington did not enter the game due to the coach’s decision. This is a bit unusual, as Covington’s defensive abilities would have been extraordinary against the Lakers’ big men. While he may be on a minute restriction, Lue must find a way to play Covington for a minimum of 20 minutes each night.
Moreover, the LA Clippers’ next match-up is against the championship-contending Brooklyn Nets. This game will start defensively behind the rim protection from the interior big man Ivica Zubac. If the Clippers can force turnovers early, the offense can find a rhythm through George’s scoring and build on a solid lead.