On November 27, 2024, the shorthanded LA Clippers prepared their belongings and flew to the United States capital. Their goal was to defeat the Washington Wizards despite the absence of stars Norman Powell and Kawhi Leonard.
Moreover, the Wizards had only won two games going into the night. In addition to being desperate for a win, Washington was playing with freedom as experts did not side with them in taking down LA. This put the Clippers at a disadvantage, as head coach Tyronn Lue was already without multiple starters.
Furthermore, without Powell and Leonard, the Clippers crushed Washington by 25 points. This was a well-planned game from Lue and his staff, and the rotation carried on based on what they studied in the film room.
The former MVP, James Harden, took off like his days in Houston, scoring 43 points with seven assists on 13-22 shooting. He shot 7-11 from three, adding to his absurd efficiency in 32 minutes.
Harden was able to dominate due to the gravity enforced by Ivica Zubac, an interior force. He crushed his respective matchup with 18 points and 16 boards on just two missed shots.
As Lue was undermanned, he elected to utilize Jordan Miller, a rising star developing in the G-League. Miller has focused on advancing his offensive capacities and took the night to showcase what he has learned thus far.
Miller ended the battle with his best stat line of the year, posting 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists on a field goal percentage of 70. Nights like these must remind Lue of the talented forward he has just waiting for an opportunity.
Tonight, the Wizards will attempt to take down the Clippers under the Intuit Dome. They have a fair chance, as LA is on the second night of a back-to-back.
Additionally, this will be the Clippers’ fourth game in five days, which includes an overtime loss to the Boston Celtics.
Is Kawhi Leonard playing against the Wizards?
Kawhi Leonard is available against Washington after missing the LA Clippers’ last two contests, which resulted in losses.
Injury report for Clippers vs Wizards
Though LA Clippers were without several starters against Boston, most will return to action tonight. However, P.J. Tucker(not with the team), Jordan Miller(illness), Trentyn Flowers(G-League), and Kris Dunn(left knee soreness) are out.
Conversely, the Wizards will not have Marvin Bagley III(right knee sprain), Patrick Baldwin Jr.(G-League), Saddiq Bey(ACL surgery), and Malcolm Brogdon(right foot).