The Clippers are turning the Warriors like pancakes

Two days after theirs total loss against the LakersThe Warriors start the match with much better intentions. Their passing is their comeback, their skill too, and Brandin Podziemski’s 2+1 (22 points, 7 rebounds) gives them a nine-length lead (26-17). The entry of Darius Garland (12 points, 2 assists, 5 turnovers) does not change the situation, on the contrary. For his first match with the Clippers, the leader lost three balls in four minutes against the active hands of Golden State (31-19).

If Jordan Miller (12 points, 6 rebounds) wakes up the Clippers, they can’t do anything against the fiery “Podz”, who scores Golden State’s first seven points in the second quarter and immediately finds Al Horford (17 points, 6 rebounds) in the corner (41-25). Two winning shots by Kawhi Leonard (23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists) and Darius Garland limit the damage, but Al Horford and Moses Moody (10 points, 4/12 shooting) keep the pressure on the opponents (56-42).

The Clippers are slowly but surely reversing the trend

After returning from the locker room, the trio of Kobe Sanders – Brook Lopez – Chris Dunn (16 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists) allowed Los Angeles to regain some skills and get back under ten points behind (63-55). Already seen in his advantage in the first half, Nate Williams (18 points), a recent recruit who has a contract with Golden State, revived his team by scoring eight points in a row.

The Warriors’ offense, however, is slowing down and the Clippers are taking advantage. After Darius Garland, they inflicted 11-2 on their opponent to continue the match (73-70). Al Horford stops the bleeding, but the activity of Janic Conan Niederhauser (11 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks) keeps LA in ambush (79-77).

Chris Dunn’s second layup kick starts an 11-2 run over the first two minutes of the final quarter that puts the Clippers in control (88-81)! The Warriors try to respond, but the speed of Benedict Maturin (17 points) and Derrick Jones Jr. keeps them underwater (95-86). With less than six minutes to play, Kawhi Leonard hit a five-point streak that discouraged the Chase center and put the game away. The Clippers are getting closer than ever to Golden State in the Western Conference standings.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

The Clippers bench makes the difference. Back on the back afterwards their win against the Pelicans a day earlier, the Clippers were struggling to get going. Kawhi Leonard limited the damage before the young players came off the bench. Ben Mathurim and Jordan Miller scored 23 points in the second half. Janic Konan Niederhauser (11 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks) is close to a double-double, and Darius Garland has found his rhythm. That’s good for the final sprint and race to get into the game.

Running out of gas for the Warriors. On a first half cloud with 56 points on 44% 3-pointers and just 4 turnovers, Steve Kerr’s men had a drink after the break. They scored just 45 points on 28% shooting from distance and committed 10 turnovers. This was fatal for them. The Clippers scored 17 points off Golden State turnovers in the second half. Newly signed Nate Williams and Al Horford stood out, while Brandin Podziemski disappeared from traffic after a big first half.

Mixed first for Darius Garland. Returning to the floor for the first time since January 14, neo Clipper Darius Garland started the match in the worst possible way. He continued to lose turnovers on the first five possessions, allowing the Warriors to take off. However, he recovered well in the second half. He found his rhythm and the space to attack Golden State’s defense. He was instrumental in Los Angeles’ comeback late in the third quarter. The leader who should soon return to the starting five will quickly find his feet.

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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.