Since the LA Clippers began their in-season road to glory, they have needed the teams in their rearview to drop games. However, the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies shaped up similarly and won several battles, making the Western Conference historically suspenseful.
In fact, the Clippers withstood a ridiculous, mentally demanding schedule that had them playing in numerous back-to-backs. LA was also matched up with the first seed from both conferences three times in two weeks.
Furthermore, the media praised franchise cornerstones Kawhi Leonard and James Harden for the Clippers' reversal. Still, they must shed light on Ivica Zubac, Derrick Jones Jr., and Bogdan Bogdanović for being able to follow the switch to a dominant framework days after the all-star break.
This is remarkable, as the Clippers have been on a tear, but the season is far from over. LA still has the Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Sacramento Kings to play, and they are all seeded in the top nine.
That said, the Clippers had finally been obliged in the most unexpected way by the Milwaukee Bucks. This helped LA end the night as the fourth seed, leaving the door open for the third.
Kevin Porter Jr. filled in on the shorthanded Bucks and helped defeat the Timberwolves
Without Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks were the supposed underdogs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who always have a chance with superstar Anthony Edwards on both sides of the ball.
To make ends meet, Giannis Antetokounmpo had to wear his cape, save the day, and the Bucks needed to shoot the ball efficiently while winning the turnover margin.
Moreover, Antetokounmpo had an eye out for the Clippers and posted a triple-double of 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists while demonstrating nothing but positivity with a +/- of +26.
Big man Bobby Portis also excelled with 18 points, but Kevin Porter Jr., a familiar face, protected the Clippers' season with impact and perfection.
Not only did he have a monster stat line of 21 points, five assists, five steals, and four rebounds, but Porter Jr. also had an individual run in which he drew a foul, made both free throws, stole the ball, and assisted a basket made by Antetokounmpo to take a six-point lead with two minutes left.
The Bucks won by seven, and because of Porter Jr., the Clippers are a full game ahead of Minnesota in the standings.