Los Angeles Clippers Spurn the Spurs

On the second night of back-to-back games both against the San Antonio Spurs (22-20), the Los Angeles Clippers (30-16) took care of business by beating them 98-85 at AT&T Center. The Clippers were down 2 more starters than the night previous with Marcus Morris Sr. and Kawhi Leonard both sitting out. Despite being woefully shorthanded, LAC kept this a close contest throughout. San Antonio had a good second quarter, but the Clips played terrific defense the entire game and were able to keep the Spurs to only 30 points total in the second half.

The Clippers got a solid all around effort from all their players involved and got an impressive road win, and their 4th in a row overall. This W being on the back half of a back-to-back against the same team, without 4 out of 5 starters, and playing so stout defensively, proved to be even more impressive than the blowout win the night before. This was the first time the Clippers had won 3 in a row in San Antonio in franchise history. Hats off to them.

STAR OF THE GAME

Reggie Jackson and his game leading 28 points 4 rebounds and 4 assists. He was 8 out of 16 from the field including 5 out of 10 from the 3 point line. This guy used to be the go-to guy back when he was the starting point guard for the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons were not a good team back then ( a fringe playoff team in the East at best) and someone has to put up numbers on a bad team. Now being on a title contender, Reggie is relegated to being a role player. In this game he looked very much like the man he once was in Detroit.

During a night where the only consistent starter for the Clippers in Paul George was struggling from the field, Reggie carried the team. He was making tough layups in the lane, and knocking down much needed 3 pointers with regularity. He even made a late step-back corner 3 right in the face of Spurs starting center Jakob Poeltl to help cement the victory. When Patrick Beverley returns and now with Lou Williams now gone, Reggie may well be the Clippers’ new 6th man.

BIGGEST CONCERN

Team chemistry. Now with Lou Williams being gone and the arrival of Rajon Rondo, the team is going to have to start their chemistry from scratch. Chemistry issues have been the biggest problem for the Clippers going back to last year. Injuries and too much load management last season, and injuries have reared their ugly head again this year. Even despite less rest games from Kawhi and PG. Lou was a leader in the locker room and the longest tenured Clipper at the time of his departure. Now with him gone there is going to be a void left to be filled, both on the court and in spirit.

Rondo has been known to have an abrasive personality, as well to cause friction between him and his teammates. His leadership, and playoff prowess are not to be questioned though. He has an impressive resume’ and the confidence of his new head coach which should go a long way in helping his new team gel together, and iron out the problems that have held them back in the past. Hopefully there is enough time to do it.

SURPRISE CONTRIBUTION

Terance Mann and his double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds to go along with 3 assists and a steal. Mann got the start last night in place of Kawhi, and made his presence felt. He gets this nod once again because the guy’s play needs to be recognized. I could not really give him the Star of the Game, so he gets this award instead. Even despite his stout play coming as not so much of a surprise anymore. I knew this guy was going to be good, but I did not think he would such a good rebounder. This is the second double-double he has put up this week.

He last one was his 20 and 10 game against Atlanta on Monday. If he at the very least can keep this level of play up, he should help fill the hole left by Sweet Lou. Although I think we all know at this point that he is going to get even better. As once again, Mann is the man.