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 she breaks down how the undermanned Clippers push Celtics to the brink!
The LA Clippers Had the Boston Celtics Sweating in California: Shorthanded Clippers Push Celtics to the Brink, Boston Escapes in OT, 117-113. This matchup was not just another game; it was a showcase of determination and grit from a team that faced adversity head-on.
I’ll go ahead and start the conversation: The Boston Celtics wouldn’t have walked out of this game with a win if the Clippers had their full squad. Period. With six players out—four of them starters—the Clippers still managed to drag this game into overtime, showing heart, hustle, and a refusal to back down. Boston, you got softened up for the Lakers today. You’re welcome.
First Quarter Fireworks
The Clippers came out composed in the first quarter, playing smart basketball while keeping the refs’ whistles at bay. Derrick Jones Jr. lit up the scoreboard with 17 of his career-high 29 points in the opening quarter, setting the tone. Amir Coffey wasn’t far behind, dropping 12 points in the second quarter and finishing with an impressive 24.
But as the game wore on, the whistles became unavoidable, and the mental shift began. Let’s be honest: when the refs tighten up the calls, it’s tough for younger players to stay locked in.
Undermanned Clippers Push Celtics: Battling for 53 Minutes
Despite being undermanned, the Clippers refused to back down. Kevin Porter Jr. was electric, posting a season-high 26 points, including 15 in the third quarter. His flashy playmaking and key steals kept the energy high.
Coffey came through in crunch time with a late dunk and defensive stop, stealing the ball from Jaylen Brown. Derrick Jones Jr. tied the game with a fearless finish through three defenders, forcing overtime. Kobe Brown’s 11 rebounds and relentless hustle made him another unsung hero in this hard-fought battle.
Defensive Resilience
The Clippers held their own against Boston’s star power. Jayson Tatum put up 24 points but shot just 40.9% from the field. Jaylen Brown had 25 points but struggled with turnovers throughout the game.
Jones Jr.’s defensive play was crucial, highlighted by a clutch strip of Brown in the final moments of regulation that led to his game-tying basket.
Overtime Belonged to Boston—Barely
The Celtics came out firing in OT, knocking down three consecutive threes to take control. The Clippers cut the lead to two points twice, but Boston held firm. Neemias Queta sealed the win with a late bucket, but let’s be real: this game was more about the Clippers proving their grit than Boston securing a win.
Nothing But Pride for the Effort
Tyronn Lue summed it up best after the game:
“I like our fight, I like our pace, and we did some good things. There’s a lot to take away from this game, even in a loss.”
Derrick Jones Jr. added:
“We fought, we gave it everything, and even though we came up short, there’s nothing to hang our heads about.”
Looking Ahead: Wizards in the Dome
Now it’s time to regroup and bring the energy back home against the Wizards. The Celtics may have escaped, but the Clippers showed heart, depth, and fight for 53 minutes.
To my fellow fans: this wasn’t just a game—it was a statement. When our starters are back, it’s over for the rest of the league.
Final Score: Boston Celtics 117, LA Clippers 113 (OT)
