Clippers Get Their Liberty Bell Rung

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The Los Angeles Clippers (39-19) lost a close game last night 106-103 to the Philadelphia 76’s (39-17) at Wells Fargo Center. The Clippers were once again without their best player Kawhi Leonard. His absence was felt early as the Clippers had a horrendous start. They allwed the 76’s to get out to a 20-3 lead. The Clippers were able to fight and claw their way back into the game. But, a monster night from Philly’s best player Joel Embiid proved to be too much to overcome. LAC was actually able to take a brief 2 point lead in the 4th quarter. But, a terrible foul call on an out of bounds play swung the momentum in Philly’s favor.

Their former coach Doc Rivers saw his team get revenge for their previous loss at Staples Center. The win allowed the Sixers to expand their lead as the best team in the Eastern Conference. The Clippers got their 7 game win streak snapped in a game they would have liked to have had, but didn’t necessarily need. They are already guaranteed to be over .500 for the season, and they are unlikely to catch the current #1 seed Utah Jazz. They can still likely overcome the Phoenix Suns for the #2 spot, and there is still enough time left in the regular season to do it.

STAR OF THE GAME

Joel Embiid and 36 points on 50% shooting, with 14 rebounds, and assist, and a steal. This guy has been in the MVP discussion all year, and he showed why last night. At times he looked like a man amongst boys out there. He was able to go through the Clippers like they were made of tissue paper. In this close game, it was he who proved to be the difference. He could very well currently be the best player in the league, but his problem has been health. He just does not play in enough games to prove it definitively.

BIGGEST CONCERN

Health. You’ve heard me say it over and over, but if Kawhi Leonard had played in this game he very well could have been in the difference in the Clippers getting this win. It was only a 3 point game without him. With his scoring and prowess on the defensive end, his presence could have swung the point differential in the Clippers’ favor. It is doubtful that he will play on this current road trip, but he is traveling with the team. So there is some hope.

SURPRISE CONTRIBUTION

Furkan Korkmaz and his 18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Furkan got the start last night in place of the injured former Clipper Tobias Harris and he played like he wants to stay there. He made 5 out of 12 3 pointers. His early 3 pointers helped Philly get out to their early lead, and his 3’s throughout the game helped maintain it. Once Toby and the newly acquired point guard George Hill both return from injury, Korkmaz will likely see his minutes reduced. His contribution last night should help his case that it won’t be by that much.

Next Game

Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, Sunday April 18 at 7:00pm Pacific

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CLIPPERS GET THEIR LIBERTY BELL RUNG CLIPPERS GET THEIR LIBERTY BELL RUNG

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