-1600x900.webp)
NGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Clippers were able to escape with a 105-103 win against the lowly Toronto Raptors on Saturday night .Los Angeles had five players and double figures and found a way to close to pick up their fourth-straight win.The Clippers improve to 6-4 and will now hit the road for three games.
Here are some takeaways from the Clippers win over the Raptors:
Harden and Powell close out the Raptors
The Clippers came into this game on a three-game winning streak and the guard duo helped them make it four.
It has been Norman Powell and James Harden leading the way in most of the Clippers wins and though it was shaky they closed it out late.
Harden and Powell scored the final 15 points for Los Angeles to help seal the win.
Each player scored 24 points apiece with Harden adding 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Powell has now scored 20 or more points in nine consecutive games.
These two guys have played lights out for the Clippers and will need to continue to thrive if Los Angeles hope to keep up their positive play.
The bench doin’ work
The Clippers received lights out play from their bench in today’s win over the Raptors.
Led by backup Kevin Porter Jr. who had his best game since the opener. Porter finished with 15 points, 5 assists and 6 rebounds and was in full control of the second unit tonight. His pace, playmaking and tough shot making made a real difference for Los Angeles coming off a win against the Kings the previous night.
He wasn’t alone in his efforts as the bench combined to score 35 points in the low-scoring affair. Their impact was truthfully felt on the defensive end where Kris Dunn, Amir Coffey and Nicholas Batum made it tough to score on them all night.
The second unit is a vital group for the success of the team. They may not have the big names but together they have big game.
Late mistakes nearly cost the Clippers
The Clippers took an eight-point lead with five seconds remaining and it looked like they would cruise to an easy win down the stretch.
Things didn’t go as smoothly!
Turnovers and late free throw misses nearly cost Los Angeles the game.
Things really looked murky when with 6.0 seconds remaining Raptors center Jakob Poeltl missed his second free throw purposely and got his own rebound, put the shot up and nearly sent things into overtime.
Los Angeles has had their issues closing games and tonight could’ve went in the same direction.
The Clippers must clean up the turnovers, missed free throws and mental mistakes if they hope to perform well on their three-game road trip.