Luka Doncic tries hard to fend off the striking Clippers

Even playing complicated game the day before against the NuggetsThe Clippers start the match well, and Brook Lopez is present on the scoreboard. The Lakers machine takes a few minutes to turn on, but then it’s already running at full speed with 11 successful shots in a row! Luka Doncic is already on fire behind the arc and with eight successes in nine attempts, JJ Redick’s players dominate the first quarter (41-29).

Kawhi Leonard, until then discreet, then gains momentum. The All-Star scored 19 points in the second quarter alone, but when he exited in the final minutes, the Lakers took the opportunity to accelerate and maintain the lead (72-65). After the break, the Clippers’ defense became more urgent. The pressure is very strong and the Lakers spend long moments without a basket. “The Klav” and company then go 17-1! They are tied in front, but the Lakers react immediately to regain control (99-95).

Once again, with Brook Lopez, Tyronn Lue’s men are moving forward. But, like the first time, the home team responded quickly with Marcus Smart and Dončić for 3 points. “Money time” also belongs to the Slovenian, who gets rid of Chris Dunn. The Clippers lost Leonard, hit him in the ankle, and then the very good Benedict Maturin, with six fouls. Despite everything, Nicolas Batum will have the equalizer after stealing the throw. But the Frenchman misses the shot, and his team loses (125-122).

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Luka Doncic and the Lakers’ answers. With 38 points and 11 assists, the All-Star was the big man in this win, especially in the first and last quarters. It is necessary to point out the excellent reaction capacity of the Lakers. As soon as the Clippers took the lead, they had no time to doubt or give hope to their opponent, immediately regaining control of the match. It was hard to win, but the boat never capsized.

Wounds of the Clippers. The latter played the entire second period without John Collins, who went down in the closing seconds of the first half on an alley-oop attempt. The interior bled into the arc and did not return to the game until later. There is a risk that the former Atlanta player will go through the league’s demanding concussion protocol and, if so, may miss several games. As for Kawhi Leonard, he was denied “money time” due to wrist pain. Tyronn Lue preferred to play it safe.

A missed opportunity for the Clippers. Victory on the neighboring ground and Nicolas Batum and his team returned to 50% of wins. The last time on November 3, 2025 after a loss to Miami and a 3-3 record. Then there was a big collapse, before the rise two months ago.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.