LOS ANGELES -- — The Clippers struggle in the fourth quarter leading to their 105-92 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night. The Clippers have loss three straight games after winning two straight on the road. The Clippers fall to 2-4 and are still winless in their new arena, the Intuit Dome.
Here are some takeaways from the Clippers loss to the Thunder:
The Clippers fade after another solid first quarter
The Clippers came at smoking hot for a second consecutive game and still found a way to lose.
After the first quarter the Clippers held a 28-19 lead running through their sets without much resistance and playing exceptional defense.
Just like the Suns game on Thursday night. The first quarter made you think the Clippers found some and was finally ready to win its first game in the Intuit Dome.
But just like Thursday night by the fourth quarter the team looked fatigued and couldn’t duplicate its first quarter play the rest of the way.
Powell, Powell, Powell
The one positive for Los Angeles was that Norman Powell put together another great start for the Clippers.
Powell has been one of the most consistent players for Los Angeles since the start of the season.
His scoring from all levels of the floor has been crucial for the Clippers to be competitive in every game this year.
Powell has scored 20+ points in five straight games since only scoring 17 points in the opener.
Against Oklahoma City, Powell finished with 24 points leading the Clippers in scoring.
In this game, Powell scored his 7,000th career point tonight according to the Clippers PR.
OKC’s balance play overwhelms Los Angeles
Oklahoma City is one of the best teams in the NBA and they proved last night in Inglewood.
They were led of course by young superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who finished with 25 points with 9 assists.
He led the way but his guys followed. The Thunder had six players score in double figures with those players scoring 12 or more points.
OKC came into the game with 10 players averaging more than 15 minutes and though they have major star power at the top of their roster. They also overwhelm with their great depth.
The young, lengthy and athletic roster gave the Clippers problems after the first quarter to take control of the game.
The Clippers are looking for more from their depth to compete with some of the top teams in the NBA. Until the “others” can help Harden, Powell and Zubac the Clippers will struggle to duplicate the success of the Thunder.