The Clippers are definitely on the rise. Despite the absence of Paul Georgeinjured, and Kawhi Leonard for a personal motive, the men of Tyronn Lue managed this Thursday to snatch a victory for the Grizzlies (141-132) very valuable in the race for the playoffs. Los Angeles speaks about the depth of its workforce and sets off in the best possible way for the postseason, with a smile.
Admittedly, there were three holders missing in Memphis, between Years Jackson Jr, Desmond Bane et Steven Adamsas well as the sixth man Tyus Jones. We must therefore take this meeting as it is: a boxing match on one leg, which does not necessarily reflect the outcome of a full-strength match. But in this game, we expected maybe a little more I MorantAll-Star this season, that Russell Westbrooktransferred and then cut at the trade deadline.
However, of the two leaders, it was the Clippers who led the charge. Each scored 36 points, but Brodie’s numbers are cleaner (13-18 shooting, 10 assists, 2 drop balls) than those of the Grizzlies leader (11-28 shooting, 9 assists, 8 drop balls). Above all, the impression of a regained dominance for one evening, to carry its entire workforce
Masterful, Westbrook therefore offers a little serenity to the team with this victory. Now, Los Angeles is closer to Phoenix (4th) than the Warriors (6th) in the West. They are now just 0.5 games away from home advantage in the first round, while play-in risks are gradually receding. Considerations that take a bit of a back seat in a locker room that apparently refuses to consult classification.
“We know that if we mind our own business, we control our destiny. “, thus assured Russell Westbrook after the meeting, to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.
In this locker room, precisely, we see big smiles. One would almost wonder where the « vampire » whom the Lakers fired mid-season.
????️ TOGETHER ON THREE pic.twitter.com/nfUoYQ4vU7
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 30, 2023
We imagine the mine satisfied with Robert Covington even more sincere than the others. His 32 minutes in the field are a record this season, for him who does not even have the opportunity to play all the matches. His 27 points, 9-10 in shooting, also mark a peak since the start of the exercise.
In the absence of Marcus Morris — recently replaced by Nicolas Batum in the major five — he had the opportunity to recall the extent of his versatility and his defensive impact. Maybe he got his own ticket to the playoffs tonight, even if it’s not won yet.
“With his deviations (of the ball), his hands, his ability to counter by surprise, he was huge for us tonight. […] The guys in the locker room stay professional. They continue to work and remain ready for matches, waiting for their opportunity every day. If anyone can be disappointed this year, it should be RoCo, because he’s a veteran who deserves to play. But we can’t get everyone to play, ”regrets Tyronn Lue.
The Kawhi cyborg version is back, this time for good?
Bones Hyland, also very prominent during this match, also had the right to his praise. He is the first Clippers player to compile 20 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds off the bench since Lou Williamstriple Sixth Man of the Year.
“He reminds me a lot of Lou Will, being able to come off the bench and score. He just plays with a joy and a passion, with the excitement of being on the pitch. It’s contagious for us, ”appreciates his trainer.
In many ways, this game is very reassuring heading into the postseason. It says a lot about the depth of the squad, the potential impact of Russell Westbrook and the chemistry of this team. Finally, it’s a bit as if the absence of the two bosses had allowed the others to treat themselves to a little team building session.
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