Even when the Clippers looked sluggish, falling victim to 16 unanswered Brooklyn points, the 19,370 fans in attendance were licking their lips as they waited for the team's first bucket. All it took was a quick deflection, defensive rebound or sharp pass for a chorus of cheers to fill the air.
When Terance Mann's corner three-point attempt sliced through the net, ending the early scoring drought, the fans let out cheers they held onto for nearly five minutes. Even though it was against a mediocre team without any preeminent rivalries, and despite still being down by 13, there was all the reason for fans to let loose and cheer.
Clippers fans' energy was palpable at Crypto.com Arena
For one, the Clippers boast the best record in the NBA since Dec. 1, winning 19 of their last 23 games. For another, they have four healthy hall-of-famers on the floor, who can light it up at any instant. Paul George exploded for a season-high 38 points against the OKC Thunder last week, while Leonard, despite being sick, scored 14 of his 21 points in the final five minutes last night.
Alongside the big three in the starting lineup, Russell Westbrook remains the unwavering source of spirited energy — a real-life Energizer Bunny with the brawn of a greek god, if you will. In the win against the Nets, the former MVP finished with 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting, nine rebounds and six assists.