December 11th – December 17th (4W-0L)
Game 1: [Portland Trailblazers] – [W 132-127]
Key Statistics:
66.9% TS% (all but 2 teams that have shot this well or better have won)
66 PITP, 33 assists (Clippers do not lose when they get 30+ assists) 21/22 FT
Gave up 19 3’s (Blazers season-high)
Kawhi 34 points 11/19
Key Takeaways:
4th win in a row, while against a young and shorthanded Blazers in not very spectacular fashion, still love to see the W on the schedule.
It was an offensive battle, which usually does not favor the Clippers, especially with the Blazers shooting 19/40 (47.5%) from 3. But recently the Clipper offense has looked a lot more balanced and able to get easy shots. 6 players in double digits, the trio of stars with 20+.
The Clippers almost let an early lead slip, Zu had 14 huge points in the first quarter that led to a 14-point lead.
Game 2: [Sacramento Kings] – [W 119-99]
Key Statistics:
62 PITP, 20/21 FT, 63.8% TS%, Kawhi 31 points on 11/14
Held the Kings’ all-stars to under 30 combined.
Key Takeaways:
After a great offensive showing on Monday, the second half of this back-to-back highlighted the defense of this squad.
Kawhi is On One. Silently putting together an incredible stretch of games since the 6L streak after the Harden acquisition. The team offense was a little messy, but if Kawhi gets 30 in 3 quarters, it’s hard to ask for much more.
Game 3: [Golden State Warriors] – [W 121-113]
Key Statistics:
64.2% TS%, 27 assists. James Harden with 28,15,7 5/6 from 3. Kawhi with an efficient 27 and 8.
Held Steph to 17. Norman Powell had 21 points, his 3rd game in a row with over 15 points off the bench.
Key Takeaways:
No Paul George in this one, Amir Coffey got the start and put up a decent 18 points in 30 min, and made the most of this opportunity, will he play more now? Probably not.
Solid performance all around for the team, almost let the Warriors back in it in the second half, but were able to shut them down and lock in the 6th win in a row, against a Draymond short Warrior team with plenty of morale issues, this win was necessary for the Clippers.
Game 4: [New York Knicks] – [W 144-122]
Key Statistics:
69.9% TS% (all but 1 team that has shot this well or better have won), 60 PITP (gave up 62)
Only 8 turnovers, 47 bench points, and Kawhi and PG combined for over 70. 36 assists!!!
Key Takeaways:
This was a very strong victory and performance from the Clippers. The offense looked fantastic Defense was solid, this game was won early on and the team stayed strong till the end.
Big Picture:
The Los Angeles Clippers are riding high after an exceptional week. Kawhi Leonard has been nothing short of spectacular, scoring 169 points in just 177 minutes with an impressive 65% shooting accuracy. The team’s offense has found a rhythm, showcasing the dynamic presence of having two soon-to-be Hall of Famers on the court at all times. Their unbeaten record at home throughout December adds to the positive momentum. However, the upcoming challenge is formidable with a demanding three-game road trip against four opponents who currently stand among the best in the league. The Clippers now lands the 6 seed heading into next week.
What to Expect Next Week:
4 Games, Monday @Pacers, Wednesday @Mavericks, Thursday @Thunder, Saturday vs Celtics
The Clippers are set for a crucial test on the road. Beginning with a hungry Pacers squad aiming to bounce back after three tough losses, The Clippers struggled against fast-paced young teams, but this year has played well against the Kings for instance. Clippers and Mavs have traded beatdowns and this will be the rubber match. Despite Kyrie Irving’s potential absence, facing the Mavericks in the second half of a back-to-back adds its challenges. The Thunder, currently holding the second seed, present a formidable opponent with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as a genuine MVP candidate. A potential playoff series against them looms as a significant storyline. The week concludes with a home game against the league’s top team, the well-built and likely healthy Celtics. A victory in this matchup would be a powerful statement for the Clippers, reinforcing their contention in the league’s upper echelon.
West Coast Hoops 