The Los Angeles Clippers, carried by their star duo Kawhi Leonard and Paul George finally at full speed, largely beat the Utah Jazz (132-106), Saturday at home, and are only led by two wins to a half -final of the Western Conference, in the NBA play-offs.
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Held to win under penalty of ending up with his back to the wall, after two defeats conceded in Salt Lake City, where the Jazz had been able to force the decision each time by being the most solid at the end of the match, LA did not have him left the opportunity to repeat this scenario, since he already had a 15-point lead at the break (64-49).
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Almost 50% of LA points for George and Leonard
Symbol of the reaction of Californian pride, George was a real offensive leader during this first period, with 20 points registered (31 in total and five assists), attacking the basket more often than usual and finding the sights rather well. behind the arch (6/10). It was he who had already shown the most combative at the end of Game 2, without managing to weigh enough, and he kept this good state of mind on the floor of the Staples Center.
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« They lit a fire behind us and we had to protect our land, commented Paul George. (…) Shoot and shoot again without thinking about the result, playing aggressively, that’s what I wanted to do tonight (Saturday). »
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Under these conditions, Kawhi Leonard saw the opposing defensive pressure on him loosen slightly and he took advantage of it, also showing himself to be damn effective with 34 points (14/24 on shots, 12 rebounds, five assists, two interceptions and one against ).
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Batum author of 17 points
Between them, George and Leonard thus concentrated almost 50% of the points of the Clippers and that obviously made a big difference, vis-a-vis Jazz players who defended a little less well, because their physical impact was also less on this meeting. .
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The proof is that the Californians shot at 55.7% success, finding in Nicolas Batum, excellent (17 points, seven rebounds, two assists), and Reggie Jackson (17 pts, 5/6 behind the arc) two other valuable offensive relays.
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No risk was taken and, without betraying any particular concern about his state of health, Mitchell finished the game on the bench, his foot roughly bandaged with ice to prevent any swelling.
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