The battle between the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics showed flashes of why the ‘other’ team from LA is going to be a scary matchup for any team in the playoffs. It was a wild comeback that featured high-level basketball from both sides.
On a night where it looked like the Celtics would take the win, the collective might of the home team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
The Clippers came back from an 86-76 deficit in the fourth, which was already a big effort against one of the East’s elite teams. The last minute of regulation was an wild affair.
Lou Williams had a chance for a fast break layup, but opted to head back to the three point line to make a go-ahead bucket. He then made a great stop, got fouled, then sank two free throws to give his team a three point lead. Jayson Tatum then broke Paul George’s ankles, put him on his ass, and sank a cool three to tie the game.
Kawhi Leonard then had the ball in his hands and some time on the clock, but opted for a stepback three instead of a drive or a midrange jumper and missed, sending the game to overtime.
The Celtics unfortunately ran out of gas in the extra period. They weren’t able to get key rebounds, which allowed for second chances that helped George take the 100-99 lead with a three pointer. They forced a turnover, and then sank a technical free throw to take the 104-99 lead. The Celtics got within two points at 104-102 thanks to a free throw and easy basket, but weren’t able to take advantage of any opportunities down the stretch to tie or take the lead.
A three pointer from Patrick Beverley pushed the Clippers lead to 107-102, and that effectively iced the game.
The scariest thing about the Clippers is that you don’t know who’s going to be the star of the show on any given night. While Leonard and George finally took the floor together, they arguably may not have even had the biggest impact. That might go to Pat Beverley, the dogged point guard who led the team with rebounds and made key defensive stops. It could even go to Lou Williams, who led the team with 27 points.
Leonard didn’t have a great game by his standards, and made a few big mistakes in overtime. This included a turnover that gave the Celtics a chance to tie, but he made up for it with a block on the Celtic’s final attempt to tie the game at the buzzer. George played well, with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Their previous, game, a close win against the Pelicans, saw Montrezl Harrell have a career game. With such an embarrassment of riches, the biggest problem for the Clippers down the season might become getting enough touches for all of their players.
Jayson Tatum will go home disappointed with the loss, but he won’t take any blame. He scored 30 points and did everything he could to help the Celtics take the W.
