The LA Clippers were absolutely dominating their game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center on Friday for two and a half quarters, but a home team rally means the teams split their set of two games this week, with the Warriors winning by 115-105.
The result is reminiscent of the Clippers’ playoff collapse against the Denver Nuggets last season, with LA leading the night by more than 20 points in the third quarter, before appearing to lose all of their mojo and double over the rest of the game.
The Clippers have continued their usual five games so far this year, from Patrick Beverley, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum and Serge Ibaka, and for most of the game, they looked good.
They ran for an early lead, climbing 13-5 to the first TV timeout of the night. They poured from there, advancing 24-10. Golden State made some shots, but LA finished the first quarter with a 30-22 lead, the scoring load spread, Ibaka hit all four shots to keep up with the team.
In the 2nd quarter, the Clippers continued to hold the Warriors with an outstretched arm, and in various possessions managed to rush the opponent for a second chance or to force a quick turn. They went to the break winning 65 to 51, with George adding 17 points to lead the visitors, Ibaka just behind him with 14 points.
After the break, everything was more of the same, with the Clippers extending their lead, letting the Warriors return and then extending it again. Stephen Curry was working to keep Golden State in the game. But the LA stars were doing their part and the supporting cast was doing theirs. Among the highlights, Lou Williams provided a rare block in the final minutes of the third quarter at Kent Bazemore.
Still, Curry did not give up and almost reached the limit to end the quarter that reduced the Clippers’ lead to just six points, 87-81. Curry had 33 points at that point.
The recovery continued until the Warriors tied the game a few minutes after the fourth period in 87-87, and then the Warriors finally took the lead, reaching 97-91 with 8:22 left. LA drew, but after Brad Wanamaker hit a 3-point ball, George failed to hit the next possession before the kick clock expired, which was basically the nail in the coffin that night.
Golden State continued to maintain the advantage as the clock ticked down, with the Clippers getting cold in just about every facet of the game, and the game ended with a few minutes to go.
George had 25 points in the night, Leonard 24 in his, but Curry finished 38 and Andrew Wiggins quietly made another strong game against the Clippers with 16 points.
It’s just a game, it’s the regular season, but it wasn’t a very bad result for the Clippers. We know they won’t win every time, but playing with a stronger squad, dominating the game and passing out completely in the last 15 minutes or so is not great. Expect some harsh words coming out of the post-game press conference.
LA will return home for their next game on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls.