Leonard and George help save the Clippers in OT thriller

After a heartbreaking loss to the Bucks, the LA Clippers played reasonably well through their next contest with the New York Knicks. For most of the game, shots fell, players hustled on defense, and a sense of urgency was enforced from the start.

However, once the fourth quarter came around, many of these components faded away, giving the Knicks plenty of time and momentum to fight back. The two-way wing, Norman Powell, went to the rescue with a nasty dunk to give the Clippers hope.

As time fell into the Knicks’ favor, Nicolas Batum hit the shot of the game to send the Clippers into overtime. This is where multiple players found their rhythm, leading to a six-point victory.  A game like this proved just how valuable Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are, especially with how unhealthy they have been thus far.

Furthermore, these two combined for 65 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, and five steals. This was an exceptional bounce-back game, as they failed to meet expectations in their last outing with the Bucks.

The LA Clippers’ game plan must be stronger to compete with the best teams in the league.

For most of the season, the LA Clippers have done a great job performing in clutch minutes. This has not been the case lately and will be a problem once it’s time for the postseason. Head coach Tyronn Lue must have a set of plays ready for specific teams, more so ones that stand over .500.

Moreover, the defense may have been poor, but Powell was the biggest reason the LA Clippers could keep this game close. Not only did he knock down timely buckets, but Powell was great on the glass, with seven boards to go along with his 24 points.

In addition, this contest created a buzz for the Clippers and their fans with the upcoming trade deadline. Rotational pieces in Luke Kennard and Robert Covington are out of the rotation, which may be a sign that a package is on the way, shipping these two elsewhere.

Nonetheless, the LA Clippers continue their Eastern Conference road trip against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. With all the drama going on, Lue and his squad should take advantage as much as possible. Finding ways to create stops defensively while moving the ball on offense will be the key to winning two in a row.