As the LA Clippers were without their franchise centerpiece Kawhi Leonard, the Brooklyn Nets took complete advantage on both ends of the floor. Leonard’s co-star, Paul George, struggled offensively throughout the contest. This left the game in the hands of rotational pieces Marcus Morris, John Wall, Reggie Jackson, and Ivica Zubac.
Furthermore, the biggest reason the Clippers lost was due to their horrific shooting splits. The team shot 40% from the field and 34.4% from three while turning the ball over 16 times. However, this is inevitable as the Clippers’ best player struggled to find his shot.
On the other hand, the Nets played a phenomenal game led by the premier superstar talent of Kevin Durant. The Clippers looked clueless on defense and were being out-hustled from start to finish. This game was kept close until the middle of the final frame as the sharpshooting guard Seth Curry popped off for four three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
Like their match-up with the Lakers, head coach Tyronn Lue held Robert Covington out of the game. While he may not be fully conditioned (health and safety protocols), Lue could have used him in defending Durant and knocking shots down on the other end.
The LA Clippers will continue to struggle if George is unable to find his groove.
Although Paul George finished the game with 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists, he shot 5-21 from the field in 34 minutes for the LA Clippers. This is a bit unusual, as George has been dominating prior to his face-off with the Nets. Without Leonard, Lue will need George to fire on all cylinders if the Clippers want to have a chance at winning, especially against a title contender.
Despite the team’s struggles, slashing wing Norman Powell played exceptionally well. He ended the game with 16 points, two rebounds, and two steals in 27 minutes. In addition, Powell was one of the few players on the team who finished with a positive +/-. This is a bright spot for Lue, especially considering Powell’s struggles within the first few games.
Moreover, it may be time to give the young stars Amir Coffey and Brandon Boston Jr. quality minutes. These two players hustle hard on the defensive end and can help the offense find momentum throughout the game. Not to mention Boston Jr recently had a phenomenal outing in the G-League as he scored 37 points while shooting 70% from the field.
Pouring in 37 points and going 14-20 from the floor, our player of the game is Brandon Boston Jr 🔥 pic.twitter.com/b9lvTdqlOV
— Ontario Clippers (@OntClippers) November 11, 2022
That said, the LA Clippers will receive one day of rest before their fourth back-to-back of the season. Lue will have to prepare a strong game plan ahead of his match-up with the Houston Rockets, as the Clippers will face troubles if they cannot knock their shots down. This game will begin on the glass, which may result in more opportunities to score the ball.