With Ivica Zubac holder, instead of a sick Serge Ibaka, the Clippers face the private Pacers of Myles Turner. Like a thunderous dunk from Paul George (20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists), Los Angeles takes advantage of the absence of the best blocker in the league to treat themselves to a feast near the circle. The California defense is also suffering, however.
An 8-0 led by Doug McDermott (23 points) and Malcolm Brogdon (16 points, 8 assists) forced Tyronn Lue to stop the game (21-16). His players respond by finishing the quarter on a 17-3 behind a devilish address and a very rare Marcus Morris (20 points, 7 rebounds) (36-26).
Box and triangle keep Indiana in the game
Los Angeles, which scores 11 of its first 12 circle attempts, even takes an 18-point lead before Nate Bjorkgren changes his mind. As against the Warriors, he opts for a box, this time on Paul George, then goes into “Triangle & 2” with the return of Kawhi Leonard. Immediately, the offensive fluidity of the Clippers disappears and Indiana returns to the game on a 20-5 (56-53).
The Clippers react however thanks to Morris and Batum but Domantas Sabonis (19 points 14 rebounds, 6 assists), once again omnipresent, takes an authoritative offensive rebound in the middle of three Clippers and sends a jewel against the board to the buzzer to complete a great first half (61-55).
Kawhi Leonard launches fireworks
Indiana’s momentum is shattered after returning from the locker room. The defensive pressure of Malcolm Brogdon and the Pacers suddenly has no effect on the Clippers, the fault of Kawhi Leonard (17 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists). The star of Los Angeles dissects the opposing defense, scores 11 points, adds 5 assists and, thanks to him, the Clippers chain open shots to score eight shots from distance, as much as in the first half! Behind this festival, Tyronn Lue’s men relegate Indiana to -25 (100-75).
Alongside Leonard, Paul George and Luke Kennard (20 points) also make Pacers pay who have no answer to defend on Californian exteriors.
The most skillful team by far in the league does not drop feet in the last quarter and even drives the point home to end the game with more than 30 points difference (129-96). With this 4th victory in a row, the Clippers remain in contact with the Lakers, and the two Los Angeles teams have the two best records in the NBA.
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