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Clippers vs. Wizards Game Recap: Back on track
The LA Clippers got back in the win column with a 140-115 win against the visiting Washing Wizards.
Summary
With Paul George back in the lineup, the Clippers got what they been searching for, for the past month: a blowout win against a poor team where they could rest the starters in the fourth quarter.
The Wizards managed to keep the game close in the first quarter, but Paul George came out of the gates looking to make a statement. George finished with 11 points in the quarter and showed no lingering effects of the knee injury.
In the second quarter, it was an avalanche of three-point shots from James Harden that pushed the lead to double digits. After not scoring a single point in the first quarter, Harden dropped 21 in the second, nearly outscoring the Wizards by himself.
The Clippers took a 79-64 lead into the half, and after halftime there was no letdown. The Clippers continued to pour it on, increasing their lead and ensuring that the starters would get a lengthy rest in the final period.
With about five minutes to go in the fourth quarter, both teams emptied the bench.
The one blemish though for the Clippers was the injury to Russell Westbrook. Westbrook apparently fractured his hand and was ruled out for the second half. In his absence, the Clippers returned to Bones Hyland as the backup point guard.
It’s not clear yet how long Westbrook will be out, but it’s a given that he will be out for an extended period of time. It will be Hyland’s opportunity to show that he’s ready for the moment.
Clippers vs. Wizards Game Recap: Back on track
David Yapkowitz