Clippers Fall to Thunder Despite Valiant Effort: Analyzing the Game Without Harden
The Los Angeles Clippers faced a tough challenge against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ultimately falling short in a 116-98 defeat. Despite the loss, there were moments of brilliance and areas of concern that deserve a closer look.
James Harden’s absence due to a groin injury was felt throughout the game. While the injury doesn’t appear to be serious, it’s something to monitor given the tricky nature of groin issues. The decision to rest Harden seems more precautionary than anything else, likely a load management choice by the team.
Without Harden, the Clippers managed to build a 16-point lead at one point, showcasing their depth and resilience. The team’s ball movement and aggressive play from role players like Kris Dunn helped compensate for Harden’s absence early on.
Defensive Strategies and Matchups
Both teams employed interesting defensive strategies, particularly against key players. The Thunder focused on limiting Norman Powell’s opportunities, while the Clippers tried various coverages on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA). The Clippers’ decision to double-team SGA early in isolation situations was a departure from the pre-game strategy of testing one-on-one defense against him.
Third Quarter Collapse
The game turned in the third quarter when the Thunder outscored the Clippers 42-20. Turnovers were a significant factor, with OKC capitalizing on the Clippers’ mistakes. The lack of ball-handling without Harden became evident, and Norman Powell’s struggles (1-for-11 shooting) compounded the issue.
Bright Spots: Kevin Porter Jr. and Mo Bamba
Despite the loss, Kevin Porter Jr. and Mo Bamba provided some positive moments for the Clippers. Porter showed improved decision-making and assertiveness, while Bamba had what some considered his best game as a Clipper. Their performances offer a glimmer of hope for the team’s bench depth moving forward.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Clippers’ performance against the Thunder, tune into the Locked On Clippers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Clippers Podcast:
• Three-point shooting regression for key players
• Update on Kawhi Leonard’s potential return
• Analysis of individual player performances
