The Los Angeles Clippers survived a late rally by the Golden State Warriors 102-92. The Clippers led by as much as 21 points in the effort.
“I thought we had some good shots early but we just didn’t handle their pressure in the second half,” said Clippers head coach Tyronne Lue. “That fourth quarter, they picked up full court, run and jump and we didn’t handle well and they were able to get back in the game.”
All Clippers starters scored in the double digits, guard Norman Powell led with 26 points. Center Ivica Zubac contributed 17 points while leading in rebounds with 11. Lue mentioned how Zubac is a “weapon” the team can rely on.
“I think every year I’ve been here [Zubac has] gotten better and better, someone you can trust,” Lue said. “You’re seeing teams are double-teaming him down in the post ups because he’s so efficient down on the block.”
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Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga led all scorers with 34 points and led the Warriors with 10 rebounds.
“[Kuminga] knows we need that from him every night, scoring, athleticism, his activity. For him to bring that was huge,” said Warriors forward Kyle Anderson. “He’s a monster on the basketball court and the way he carries himself off the court, just a great dude to be around.”
Early in the fourth quarter, several Golden State players attacked the paint to score, chopping down a 19-point lead into 10. Despite noise from the raucous crowd in the Intuit Dome, Kuminga executed free throws.
A three-pointer by guard Moses Moody brought the Warriors within three points with 2:30 left in regulation.
“They were just guarding, trapping, getting deflections,” said Warriors guard Buddy Hield. “[Kuminga] put pressure on the rim. We were able to set our defense.”
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard will return to the Clippers line up in early 2025. Lue explained how the team has been preparing for his return while staying competitive in the meantime.
“Guys getting used to running his plays in practice … so when he gets back, we’ll be up to speed,” Lue said. “We play 10-minute scrimmages just to get [Leonard] acclimated to playing five-on-five, which has been good for us.”
The Clippers will travel to battle the New Orleans Pelicans on December 30 at 5:00P.M.
