INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Clippers use a great defensive performance and balance on offense to dethrone the Kings 104-88 on Friday night. This is the seventh straight victory at home for Los Angeles. The Clippers are now 10-7 and will hit the road for four games starting Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Here are some takeaways from the Clippers win over the Kings:
Fast start sparks the flame to blowout win
The Clippers came out with a different energy in tonight’s win.
Los Angeles dominated the first quarter 26-12 to get an early advantage. James Harden scored 8 points and Amir Coffey added 7 points in the quarter.
The Clippers brought the same energy to the second quarter continuing their great defense effort and balance offensive play. Jordan Miller scored 5 points in the quarter to help the Clippers keep a sizable advantage.
Los Angeles won the quarter 25-17 to take a 51-29 advantage into the half.
The Clippers protected the ball
Before the game, coach Tyronn Lue talked to the media about the team’s turnovers as they are second in the league when it comes to the most turnovers per game.
Lue said exchanges go as followed,” I say, 'This is a bad pass.' And they say, 'facts.'"
The Clippers came into the game averaging 17.3 turnovers overs per game just behind the Portland Trailblazers who average a league leading 17.6. In the last three games, Los Angeles’ turnovers jumped to 18 per game after a 25 turnover performance against the Magic.
Tonight was a much different story.
Los Angeles finished the game with just 12 turnovers eliminated plenty of unforced turnovers that has plagues the team this season.
A balanced attack helps sink the Kings
Five players scored in double figures and tonight’s win against the Kings.
James Harden led the way with 22 points and Derrick Jones Jr. added 17.
Even in a game when the team didn’t shoot particularly well everyone who played chipped in.
All ten players who entered the game for the Clippers made at least two field goals.
Los Angeles has been “all hands on deck” with superstar Kawhi Leonard continued absence.
This is the way the team looks to win games and it’s working so far.