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Clippers vs Rockets Recap: Clips Comeback in Second Half, Win 122-116
The Clippers looked out of sorts for the first 18 minutes, but a strong second half carried them to a big win on the road in Houston.
Game Summary
The Clippers started the game as lackadaisically as they’ve looked the past few weeks. Their defense was slow and confused, their offense was slow and disorganized, and they generally looked like they didn’t want to be there. At one point, in the mid-2nd quarter, they trailed 50-30, and the game appeared to be slipping away already. Fortunately, they woke up a bit, and a 14-7 run to close the half got things to a manageable 57-44.
The third quarter saw the Clippers’ offense truly wake up. Harden was getting into the lane and creating, and guys were knocking down shots. Still, the Rockets refused to lay over and die, and answered all of the Clippers’ runs. Every time the Clippers pushed to single digits, the Rockets got their lead back over 10. Finally, late in the period, the Clippers were able to keep the lead in single figures, and trailed just 86-80 going into the fourth.
The fourth quarter belonged to the Clippers. They didn’t tie the game up until around halfway through the period at 108-108, but they were playing in sync on both ends, especially offense, and looked composed and confident. They finally took a lead on a PG and then extended it on a Kawhi and-one, going up 114-109 with a couple minutes to go. The Rockets kept fighting, but they just could not stop the Clippers, and a key PG offensive rebounds, free throws, and a silly tech on VanVleet essentially sealed the game.
Notes
Big 3 Steps Up in Second Half: The Clippers as a whole played very well in the 3rd and 4th quarters, but it was their best players that spearheaded the charge. Kawhi and Harden were quiet in the 1st half while Paul George was dreadful, and that script flipped completely. Harden’s pick and roll actions got the Clippers open looks, and while PG and Kawhi made jumpers, they also attacked and drew fouls. The result was the best combined effort by the Clippers stars in weeks, with each of the Big 3 scoring over 20 points on less than 20 shots. Harden chipped in 5 rebounds and 7 assists, Kawhi had 6 rebounds and 7 assists, and PG grabbed 7 boards as well. Critically, the trio also combined for only four total turnovers. Hopefully this is a turning point.
Get Healthy Zu: Ivica Zubac barely played in this one, logging less than 15 minutes of action. Nor was he effective, with a -13 in his time on the court, 3 points on 1-4 shooting, and 5 rebounds against a dominant Sengun. The broadcast mentioned he’s still playing his way into shape and recovering from his illness, and that would explain things. Still, the Clippers desperately need Zu to be healthy and back to his early season form. While Mason Plumlee played well in this one and Daniel Theis has been solid most of the year, neither of them is close to the defending, rebounding, or even scoring presence that Zu is. If Zu is not a real plus on both ends the Clippers do not have much hope of making noise in the postseason, simple as. Get healthy big fella.
Rest Up: The Clippers don’t play again until Saturday against the Bulls, and need to get as much rest as they can, as that game marks the start of yet another three game in four night stretch. The Bulls are not great, but aren’t pushovers, and then the Bucks and Wolves come to town to make things even tougher. Hopefully the Clippers will be fully ready for that mini homestand and can come out of it with a 2-1 record or better.
Clippers vs Rockets Recap: Clips Comeback in Second Half, Win 122-116
Robert Flom