INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Clippers use a strong second half and defensive effort to knockoff the Orlando Magic 104-93 on Wednesday night. Los Angeles played without two starters and ended the Magic’s six game winning streak. The Clippers are now 9-7 and will face off against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
Here are some takeaways from the Clippers win over the Magic:
Clippers controls the second half
Los Angeles went into the break holding on to a three-point lead, 57-54.
The second half was all Clippers on both ends.
On defense, the Clippers made it tough for Orlando not allowing any open outside shot and contesting shots at the rim.
On offense, a balance attack made it tough for Orlando to hone in on James Harden as he put together a strong second half.
The Clippers had a 47-39 advantage over Orlando in the second half.
Los Angeles who struggled to finish games to start the season have figured out on both ends what it takes to pick up these necessary wins without star forward Kawhi Leonard.
Coffey steps up with Powell out
The Clippers leading scorer Norman Powell was a late scratch for Los Angeles.
Powell was out of Wednesday night’s lineup against the Orlando Magic with a hamstring injury. Coach Tyronn Lue says Powell will also miss Friday’s home game against the Sacramento Kings as well.
Powell was injured in the first half of Monday nights win over Golden State.
He was replaced in the starting lineup by Amir Coffey and he did not disappoint.
Coffey scored 18 points in the Clipper win. His offense especially in the first half got the Clippers offense going.
He was the second leading scorer in the win over the Magic.
Coffey’s outside shooting helped fill in for what the team was missing without Powell
Harden finds his way to the charity stripe
In a very slow paced defensive game the major positive on offense was who we expected: James Harden.
Though he struggled shooting going just 5-14 from the field. Harden was able to attack the Magic’s interior defense and get to the line.
Harden got to the line 12 times making 11 of his free throws. He was the only Clippers player to shoot more than five free throws in the game.
He finished the game with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to help the Clippers pickup the win.