Darian Vaziri here, the host of the daily Locked On Clippers podcast, with your daily Locked On Clippers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Clippers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Clippers Make It 4 Straight
Nov 9, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) talks with Las Vegas Raiders tight end Maxx Crosby (98) following the game against the Toronto Raptors at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images|Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Clippers Edge Raptors in Nail-Biter: Defense Shines in Fourth Straight Win
The Los Angeles Clippers have extended their winning streak to four games with a thrilling 105-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors. As a lifelong Clippers fan, I can tell you that these close games are both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. Our defense has been the cornerstone of our success, allowing us to stay competitive even when our offense struggles.
Defensive Prowess and Key Performances
Our defense was the key to this victory. Despite the Raptors missing Scottie Barnes, we managed to keep their offense in check. The defensive effort was led by players who are committed to guarding their opponents fiercely. Terance Mann, in particular, delivered a standout defensive performance with crucial stops in the final moments. His defensive tenacity was a game-changer, and it was great to see him step up when it mattered most.
Ivica Zubac also played a pivotal role, setting the tone early with his rim protection and scoring. His ability to spin off defenders and protect the paint was instrumental in our success. Meanwhile, Norman Powell continued his impressive form, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. His consistency and efficiency have been remarkable, and he’s playing some of the best basketball of his career.
Offensive Struggles and Turnover Troubles
While our defense was solid, our offense faced challenges, particularly when the Raptors switched their defense. This led to stagnation, with players like James Harden and Kevin Porter Jr. struggling to find rhythm. Turnovers were a major issue, especially in the fourth quarter, allowing the Raptors to mount a comeback. It’s crucial for us to address these turnover woes to maintain control in tight games.
Harden, despite his struggles, managed to contribute with key plays in the second half. His ability to draw fouls and convert free throws was vital in keeping us ahead. However, we need to find ways to reduce our reliance on him in pick-and-roll situations to prevent fatigue and improve ball movement.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Clippers’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Clippers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Clippers Podcast:
- A closer look at Ivica Zubac’s defensive contributions and his evolving offensive game.
- Discussion on the Clippers’ turnover issues and potential solutions.
- Evaluating the performances of key players like Derrick Jones Jr. and Chris Dunn.
- Insights into the Clippers’ upcoming matchups and strategies for continued success.
37 points, 18 rebounds, 15 assists. The first NBA player to reach these numbers in a game, and Nikola Jokic did it on a Sunday night in Denver, snowy pockets of flurries settling over the city. I wish I’d been collecting these stat lines all along, or had thought to make a note on the calendar when they happened. I’d like to see if there’s a pattern, though I’ve got a hunch that the dates would come to mean less than what the volume of them proves: in Jokic’s hands, the unprecedented becomes routine.
It starts with his skill, we know this. But let’s zero in on how he carries himself around the floor, how he moves. Jokic lopes, jogs, shuffles, occasionally bops, tends to move laterally more than he does in a direct line. It all serves to create an illusion that he’s slow and behind the pace. It’s why so many have a difficult time categorizing what it is he’s doing — he doesn’t work the way a basketball player does, tends to be the refrain. It’s because he looks, most of the time, relaxed
He can also appear pressed, like there’s someplace else he’d rather be. This is not the kind of approach we like to see from our stars. If they don’t look dialled in, if it doesn’t look strenuous at least some of the time, we tend to distrust their effort and skill. But Jokic’s arduousness is some of my favourite in the league, because it presents at our expense. And indeed, it must be exhausting to prove nearly every night that you can manipulate the game at every level.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Norman Powell leads the Clippers through a tough schedule amidst Kawhi Leonard’s absence, showcasing his resilience and skill. (Daily News)
Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Basketball Managers
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) holds his leg after a hard following a play against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Paycom Center.|Photo by Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Managers
Sunday’s NBA action took a concerning turn for the Oklahoma City Thunder as Chet Holmgren, their promising young centre, suffered a hip injury just five minutes into the game against the Golden State Warriors. This incident has left both the team and fantasy managers in a state of uncertainty, as Holmgren’s presence on the court has been pivotal.
The Impact of Holmgren’s Injury
Holmgren’s injury occurred during an attempt to contest a dunk, resulting in a hard fall that left him limping off the court. The Thunder have since reported it as a hip injury, but the full extent and severity remain unclear. Given Holmgren’s importance to the Thunder’s lineup, any absence could significantly impact their performance, especially considering their current lack of depth at the centre position.
Potential Replacements and Adjustments
In the wake of Holmgren’s injury, the Thunder may need to rely on a smaller lineup, as they did against the Warriors. This could mean increased minutes for players like Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace, who might see more court time and opportunities to contribute. In deeper leagues, Ousmane Dieng could also be considered for a temporary boost, though none are likely to replicate Holmgren’s production. Fantasy managers might consider these short-term pickups, but it’s crucial to temper expectations, as the Thunder’s rotation could remain fluid.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Clippers podcasts.
Why Addition By Subtraction Is Reigning True For Norman Powell Norman Powell’s explosive performance lights up the court as the Los Angeles Clippers continue their impressive run. With Powell scoring 31 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for his first career double-double, the Clippers’ dominance is undeniable. How are they achieving such success on the road?
The 3 Hottest Topics In Clipper Land Norman Powell is turning heads with his impressive 25 points per game, positioning himself as a potential All-Star for the Los Angeles Clippers. With the team currently ranking 5th in defensive rating, thanks to Ivica Zubac’s rim protection and Kris Dunn’s perimeter prowess, the Clippers are making waves in the NBA.
How The LA Clippers Got A Win In Paul George’s Return Paul George’s return to face the Los Angeles Clippers was met with a chorus of boos, marking a dramatic moment in the NBA. Meanwhile, Norman Powell shone brightly, delivering an impressive 26-point performance, solidifying his status as the Clippers’ standout player this season.
