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Clippers Defeat Warriors For Second Time This Season
Nov 18, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) passes the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images|Kirby Lee/Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Clippers’ Defensive Identity Shines in Victory Over Warriors
The Los Angeles Clippers have once again proven their mettle by defeating the Golden State Warriors, marking their second victory against them this season. This win not only highlights the Clippers’ growing defensive identity but also raises questions about whether the Warriors face a matchup issue against us. With Kevon Looney out, the Warriors struggled to contain Ivica Zubac with just one defender. Our strategy of targeting specific matchups forced the Warriors into double-teaming, which played to our advantage.
Gary Payton II’s Offensive Struggles
Gary Payton II, despite being an exceptional defender, continues to be a liability on offense. His inability to create shots or contribute significantly on the offensive end was evident, especially when the game came down to crucial moments. The Clippers allowed GP2 to take open shots, while throwing the kitchen sink at Stephen Curry. Our defensive strategy involved placing Zubac and Mo Bamba on Payton, allowing us to sag off and switch everything everywhere else.
The Clippers’ identity is becoming clearer with each game. We are a defense-first team, characterized by active hands and a focus on forcing turnovers. Offensively, we face challenges due to a lack of elite ball handlers, which is why James Harden has been pivotal. Despite his heavy workload, Harden’s performance in the fourth quarter was commendable, even as fatigue set in. His off-ball movement wasn’t good, but his defensive contributions, including two steals and two blocks, were significant.
Our victory was also aided by the Warriors’ poor free-throw shooting, a factor that has cost us games in the past. This time, we capitalized on their misses, shooting 89% from the line. Norman Powell’s shot-making was crucial, especially in the final moments, and Amir Coffey’s free throws in the fourth quarter were vital.
Kawhi Leonard’s Anticipated Return
Looking ahead, Kawhi Leonard’s return is highly anticipated. His ability to create shots in the half-court will be invaluable, complementing our strong defensive lineup. Leonard’s presence will alleviate some of the offensive burdens on Harden and Powell, providing the shot creation we desperately need. While Leonard’s return is not immediate by any means, his integration into our slow-paced, defense-oriented team is expected to be seamless. Ty Lue said that Kawhi is getting shots up these days but nothing more.
The Clippers’ recent performances have shown that we are a formidable defensive unit, capable of challenging top teams like the Warriors. Our ability to force turnovers and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes is becoming a hallmark of our play. As we continue to refine our identity, the addition of Leonard will only strengthen our position.
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:**
- Analysis of James Harden’s defensive improvements
- The impact of Ivica Zubac’s presence in the paint
- Norman Powell’s role in the Clippers’ offensive strategy
- Upcoming matchups and what to expect from the Clippers
The Sixers are no longer just bad, they’re cornered
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center|Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Look, I held off as long as I could, told myself it was only an awkward start. I looked to silver linings, to the tendency that things going wrong for this long tend to right themselves. I looked to the surrounding conditions for clues and when none revealed themselves, I decided to stay positive but now, it’s time: time to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond what Sixers fans know intimately and don’t need reiterated (things are bad), the mood around the franchise is starting to feel closer to cornered than merely frustrated. Last night, after a third quarter collapse against the Heat in Miami, the Sixers held a postgame meeting that lasted over an hour. The game already had a bizarre feel to it, Philly led by 19 before being down 20, and Joel Embiid went from being listed as doubtful to starting. No one on the Sixers roster looked especially comfortable, a trend that’s emerged throughout the team’s first full month of regular season play.
Slipping now to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-11 I still feel the need to double check as I write this, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Sixers don’t have room to hedge.
There’s no scapegoat to pin the team’s shoddy performance on, not this early in the season. Even when healthy, and Embiid, George and Maxey are on the floor together, it’s been for naught. Both the teams wins came in arduous overtime, one without George and both without Embiid. The Sixers win against the Hornets was missing Maxey completely.
Here’s a problem I’ve wondered about since Daryl Morey landed George in what was declared an undisputed win for the franchise and the best move of the offseason — what about Philadelphia’s role players? To clear the books for cap space enough to sign George, Daryl Morey liquidated the team’s working roster — 13 of the team’s 15 man squad became free agents. Tobias Harrias and Nicolas Batum may not be spring chickens in NBA terms, but they provided the mechanical support the Sixers are now woefully lacking. This isn’t the Sixers only problem, that much has been made clear, but it’s a big one.
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
Watch A hilarious moment between Steph Curry and James Harden before the Clippers-Warriors game has taken the internet by storm. Don’t miss their lighthearted exchange! (Sports Illustrated)
Celebrate The Clippers hold off the Warriors for their 5th straight home win, continuing their dominant streak at home. Go Clippers! (Daily News)
How James Harden’s Special Night Led To A Bounceback Win Did you know James Harden just surpassed Ray Allen to become second all-time in NBA three-pointers during the Clippers’ clash with the Jazz?
Explore how Kevin Porter Jr.'s improved play and Mo Bamba’s solid debut, with 9 points and 8 rebounds, contributed to the Clippers’ success. The episode also spotlights the impressive performances of the Clippers’ “Big Three": James Harden, Ivica Zubac, and Norman Powell. Their combined efforts were crucial in securing the victory.
Join die hard Clipper fan and Host Darian Vaziri for an engaging discussion on the Los Angeles Clippers’ strategies and standout performances.
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