Random dribbles following the Los Angeles Clippers’ 124-120 road loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
1. Well, at least the Clippers held the Nets to less than 140. Hey, when the opponent boasts Kyrie Irving (39 points), Kevin Durant (28) and James Harden (23), that’s quite an achievement.
2. Mostly, the Clippers looked like a very good team that just lost a game to another very good team in enemy territory. Definitely no shame in that.
3. To give you an idea of what the Clippers faced, Irving, Durant and Harden combined for 29 points in the fourth quarter. The Nets scored 36 in the fourth overall.
4. Interestingly, the Clippers committed just eight turnovers, compared to 16 for the Nets. That’s a big reason why LA was able to keep this a game until the bitter end.
5. And with the likes of Kawhi Leonard (33 points), Paul George (26 points, six assists) and even Nic Batum (21 points, 7-of-10 shooting) firing away, the Clippers ended up taking 20 more shots than the Nets. “Usually in a game like that, we win,” coach Tyronn Lue told reporters.
6. So no, this loss is no big deal. If anything, it showed that the Clippers remain a legitimate title contender. And they didn’t even have big-game-savvy point guard Patrick Beverley, who remained out with a sore knee.
7. George to reporters on the game: “It was fun. The only thing that was missing was fans. I thought that really would have brought a lot to this game. It was a fun matchup, look forward to doing it again.”
8. Leonard on what the Clippers could’ve done better: “Knowing who we’re guarding, some of the plays on offense we didn’t execute. Don’t foul shooters. Communicate. Try to make it not so easy for them.”
9. Marcus Morris added 16 points for the Clippers (16-6). Reggie Jackson and Serge Ibaka added nine apiece.
10. It still seems as if the Clippers are going to make a trade, add a piece, do something before the next playoff run. But that’s likely to take place closer to the March 25 trade deadline if it happens. As we saw Tuesday, there’s no rush and no reason for panic.
11. By the way, the Clippers went 15-of-17 on free throws, compared to 21-of-26 for the Nets (14-9). That was something on the minds of the players after the game. The Clippers are averaging 21 free throws on the season. “I actually think it was disrespectful that I only had one free throw attempt,” George said.
12. The Clippers are right back at it Wednesday, when their swing takes them to Cleveland. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST.
BOX SCORE | Nets 124, Clippers 120
