INGLEWOOD, Calif. - - — The Clippers defeat the lowly New Orleans Pelicans 114-98 behind six players scoring in double figures on Wednesday night. Los Angeles move to 44-32 and are in a three way tie with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies for sixth place in the Western Conference, the final guaranteed postseason place. Their next game is at home again this time against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night in their first game of their back-to-back with Dallas.
.Here are some takeaways from the Clippers win over the Pelicans:
Leonard leads the way in the win
Kawhi Leonard has really picked things up as of late and he did not let Clipper Nation down tonight.
It started off with a good first half as Leonard led the way with 18 points.
Leonard wasn’t done as he scored 10 more points in the second half half with a game-high 28 points for Los Angeles.
This last month or so, Leonard has looked the best he has in a while. He looks to have found his rhythm, he looks bouncy and very decisive on both sides of the floor.
His ability to be at his best is vital for the Clippers to finish the season strong and is a true wild card in the Western Conference
Depth is key for the Clips
Leonard wasn’t alone in his efforts to help the Clippers pickup a much needed victory over the lowly Pelicans.
Los Angeles has truly show that its depth is real on this roster.
Even though we are towards the end of the season, this team can play up to ten players if needed to win.
It’s very unusual for teams to go that deep into its roster late in the year with so many big games. But this Clippers’ team has that much talent.
14 players touched the floor for the Clippers in their win with nine players playing at least 12 minutes.
Six of those players scored in double figures with James Harden and Ivica Zubac each recording a double-double.
I don’t expect the Clippers to have ten guys in their playoff rotations but the fact they can go that deep is only a plus for the team heading into the playoffs.
Clips continue their home dominance
Just to think that at one point the Clippers couldn’t find a way to win at home and now they look like one of the best home teams in the NBA.
We all know about the 0-4 start for the team inside the Intuit Dome but they have been dominant since.
With last night’s win, Los Angeles is now 25-7 since their winless start in their new arena.
This is huge for a Clippers team that plays four of their last six games at home as they tried to secure a top six-seed in the Western Conference.
For team’s to pickup a win in Inglewood as visitors they have to play an A+ type of game to win.
Los Angeles is hopeful to win out at home which would give them a fighters chance to possibly reach as high as the fourth seed in the West.
Maybe’ the Wall’ truly has affect on the Clippers opponents when they visit.