INGLEWOOD, Calif.-— The Clippers didn’t have enough to pick up a win as they lose 112-99 to the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Los Angeles struggled after the half and they could make a come back late to win. The Clippers are now 24-18 after the loss and will look to get back to their winning ways when they face off with the defending champion Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
Here are some takeaways from the Clippers loss to the Bulls:
Third quarter takeover for the Bulls
The Clippers went into the half holding in to a 50-48 lead.
There was hope for the Clippers to finish strong to pick up their fifth straight win but the third quarter ended those dreams.
Chicago dominated the third quarter to give them an insurmountable lead. The Bulls went 30-9 run to end the third quarter.
The Clippers struggles to make shots in the quarter and couldn’t keep the Bulls from the foul line in the quarter. Los Angeles was outscored in the quarter 36-to-16.
Los Angeles was just outplayed throughout the quarter and that bleed over into the fourth quarter which led to the loss.
The LaVine show
Zach LaVine gave the Clippers problems all night.
LaVine looked like the best player on the court this night.
His tough shot making and ability to attack the rim was tough for the Clippers to stop without two of their better defenders out.
The former UCLA Bruin scored 35 points making 11-of-21 shots including making 5 3s.
LaVine made some tough shots late to help put the game away for Chicago.
Shorthanded Clippers couldn’t find their way
Los Angels came into the game already at a disadvantage as they were without forward Kawhi Leonard (rest) and center Ivica Zubac (eye).
Not only are those guys two important offensive pieces but also key stalwarts to the Clippers top-notch defense.
The Clippers fought back even after a tough third quarter. After trailing by as much as 18 points in the fourth, Los Angeles cut the lead to nine when Derrick Jones made a free throw with 3:24 remaining in the game.
Big shots down the stretch by the Bulls shut the door on any type of comeback.
Norman Powell scored 27 points and James Harden added 17 points & 10 assists but it wasn’t enough as they both had tough shooting nights. They finished a combined 14-for-39 shooting from the field.
The Clippers just didn’t have enough tonight and now will look to start another winning streak on Wednesday’s matchup with the Boston Celtics.