Felicia Enriquez, aka Mynt J, is the host of the podcast BlackLove and Basketball – Compton Edition. She is a Clippers fan, an NBA credentialed creator representing thePeachBasket. In this article, Comeback Kings: How Powell and Harden Willed Clippers to Victory in Utah, she breaks down the Clippers road win in Utah.
The Los Angeles Clippers wrapped up the first half of the season with a dramatic 120-116 overtime victory against the Utah Jazz on February 13, proving once again that they have the grit to battle through adversity.
And leading that charge? Norman Powell, who played like a man possessed, dropped 41 points, including nine crucial ones in OT. If you didn’t know Powell had that dog in him before, you know now.
When our lefties are in the game, things go right. That was funny—you can laugh later.
Powell’s Takeover: A Career Night
41 points in a game that could’ve easily slipped away? That’s stepping up. Nine points in overtime? That’s called being built for big moments. Powell didn’t wait for someone else to make a play—he took the game into his own hands, carrying the Clippers to their third straight victory after clawing back from a 20-point deficit.
Harden’s Steady Hand
James Harden played the role of the seasoned vet, finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Sure, sometimes he looks too relaxed, but we’ll let it slide because he made the right plays when it mattered.
Poise, patience, and precision—that was Harden’s game in a nutshell.
The Clippers’ Rollercoaster February
After a rough start to the month with three straight losses, the Clippers have bounced back with three straight wins. But let’s not ignore the lingering issues—poor execution at the rim, missed second-chance opportunities, and occasional defensive lapses.
February Results So Far:
- Feb. 2 @ Toronto – L, 108-115
- Feb. 4 vs. Lakers – L, 97-122
- Feb. 6 vs. Indiana – L, 112-119
- Feb. 8 vs. Utah – W, 130-110
- Feb. 12 vs. Memphis – W, 128-114
- Feb. 13 @ Utah – W, 120-116 (OT)
Momentum is shifting in the right direction, but consistency remains key.
Missed Chances in the Paint: A Recurring Nightmare
One of the biggest red flags for the Clippers this season? Leaving easy points at the rim. Even Ivica Zubac, known for his inside presence, struggled to finish second-chance opportunities.
If the Clippers want to avoid unnecessary dogfights, they need to clean up their efficiency around the basket.
Dunn & Simmons Spark Defense—Now Convert That Into Offense
Chris Dunn and Ben Simmons set the tone defensively, helping force 26 Jazz turnovers. That level of defensive intensity is exactly what this team needs moving forward.
Now, the next step? Turning that energy into offense. The Clippers have to capitalize on those defensive stops, push the pace, and convert turnovers into easy buckets. That’s how you take over games without relying solely on late-game heroics.
Ben Simmons: A Fresh Start in LA
One of the biggest storylines of the night? The Clippers fanbase embracing Ben Simmons with open arms.
After rough stints elsewhere, Simmons looked comfortable and confident in his Clippers debut, finishing with:
✔️ 12 points
✔️ 7 rebounds
✔️ 6 assists
✔️ 3 steals
Sometimes, the right environment makes all the difference. Just ask Russell Westbrook—Lakers fans might’ve thrown him under the bus, but when he was with the Clippers, he thrived. Maybe the same fate awaits Simmons.
Bogdanović’s Offensive Firepower
Bogdan Bogdanović (aka Bogi) is already making an impact with his scoring ability, providing the Clippers with another reliable offensive weapon.
With Jeff Van Gundy’s defensive influence, there’s hope that he can round out his game and become an even bigger asset.
Breaking Down the OT Win
Despite the victory, there were clear statistical concerns:
- Field Goal Efficiency – Clippers shot 41.5% (39/94) vs. Utah’s 48.7% (38/78).
- Three-Point Shooting – Clippers hit 14 threes (36.8%), while Utah knocked down 18 (40%).
- Offensive Rebounding – Clippers won the battle (13-9) but struggled to convert second-chance points.
- Defensive Hustle – 16 steals helped make up for inefficiencies elsewhere.
Clutch execution in overtime—led by Powell and Harden—ultimately pushed the Clippers over the finish line.
What’s Next? A Showdown with the Big Bad Bucks
The Clippers (31-23) head into the All-Star break with momentum, but a massive test looms against the Milwaukee Bucks (29-24) on February 20.
Last time they met? Clippers won 127-117 on January 25, thanks to a 40-point masterpiece from Harden. They’ll need a similar performance to take down the Bucks again.
Key players to watch:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – 36 points, 13 rebounds in his last outing. Good luck stopping him.
- Damian Lillard – Just dropped 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. He loves big moments.
- Brook Lopez – A defensive anchor who makes life miserable at the rim.
- Taurean Prince – Shooting 62.5% in his last game. Can’t let him get hot.
Final Thoughts: Keep That Same Energy, Coach Lue
Yes, this was a big win, but let’s be honest—it shouldn’t have been this hard.
The Clippers have the talent to dominate teams like Utah without all the unnecessary drama. Ty Lue is one of the best coaches in the league, but there have been too many games where the team looks unprepared, unfocused, and unsure of their identity. That falls on coaching.
Coach Ty Lue is reportedly using the All-Star break to relax in Vegas. That’s cool and all, but Coach, we need answers when you get back:
Why does this team struggle without Kawhi? Why do they keep allowing open threes? Why does the offense stall when it should flow seamlessly?
Enjoy Vegas, Coach, but when you get back, it’s time to lock in. The second half of the season is a beast:
- Feb. 20 @ Bucks
- Feb. 23 @ Pacers
- Feb. 24 @ Pistons
- Feb. 26 @ Bulls
- Feb. 28 @ Lakers
Buckle up, Clippers Nation—it’s about to get real. We need all hands on deck. Clippers fans love this team no matter what.
But enough of my yapping—let’s have some fun with All-Star Weekend and enjoy our All-Stars!
