213hoops.com
Clippers finally win in New Orleans, 111-95
The Clippers broke the curse—at least for one night—in New Orleans, beating the Pelicans, 111-95.
Summary
The Clippers took a 15 point lead into halftime, an advantage that was entirely earned in the second quarter. Although they put up 30 points in the frame, it was the Clippers’ defense that shined, giving up only 15 points to the Pelicans. (To be fair, the Pelicans shot just 35% from the field, which cannot totally be credited to the Clippers.) The Clippers’ offensive attack was led by Paul George, who had 15 first half points on 6/9 shooting (3/4 from three), and James Harden, who added seven assists and eight points. Harden would finish the game with 13 assists to just one turnover—yet another example of how he can create a winning “system” even when his shot is not falling (he was 2/7 from the floor and 1/6 from three).
The game was over by the end of the third quarter, as the Clippers won the frame by 11. This time it was the offense, which put up 36 in the frame to the Pelicans’ 27. Brandon Ingram—who typically gets what he wants against the Clippers—struggled all game. He had just 12 points on 3/9 shooting. Likewise, Zion had 12 points on 3/9 and only played 19 minutes (he left the game early with a “right leg contusion”).
Notes
Load Management: The best genre of load management is when starters get to rest during garage time. And, tonight, the Clippers got just that. Neither PG, Harden, nor Zubac played in the fourth quarter, while Kawhi played about five minutes, and Mann only played one. No one played over thirty minutes.
Plumlee is Back: Mason Plumlee saw action for the first time since Nov. 6th, when he was injured against the Knicks. Tonight, he was able to get seven minutes (during garage time), scoring eight points (4/5 from the free throw line). It is unknown if or when Plumlee will reenter the core rotation but it was nonetheless nice to see him out there.
Clippers finally win in New Orleans, 111-95
Kenneth Armstrong