NBA regular season, an internal battle in the West, the Clippers against the Spurs. Although the Clippers are ranked higher than the Spurs, they are playing back-to-back games, plus Cardi Zige is not playing, so it's not that easy to win. The key to victory is whether they can contain Wenyambo. The Spurs have sent out their full squad, determined to win this crucial battle for position, which is worth two games.
In the first half, the Clippers were thrashed by the Spurs, trailing by as many as 20 points, 43-63. The Clippers' offense clearly had major issues, with Harden struggling to keep the team afloat in the first quarter, but completely fizzling out in the second, while his teammates were not pulling their weight. Additionally, the team's signature defense was nowhere to be seen, and turnovers were also high. The Spurs played very well, with Wenyambo attacking and defending comprehensively, and Paul orchestrating from behind. Under their leadership, the other players also played comfortably.
Powell scored 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals; Zubac scored 3 points and 3 rebounds; Dunn scored 7 points; Harden scored 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block; Sohan scored 4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal; Barnes scored 3 points and 3 rebounds; Wen Ban scored 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks; Vassell scored 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals; Paul scored 5 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals; Castle scored 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists; Keldon Johnson scored 9 points; Collins scored 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.
In the second half, the Spurs continued their hot form, while the Clippers' offense remained stagnant, with the gap widening towards 30 points. With 5 minutes and 20 seconds left in the third quarter, Tyronn Lue brought on substitute players to inject some energy, who were more lively and spirited, as the starters were too lackadaisical. However, the Clippers' bench was even worse, with only energy but lacking basketball IQ, and the gap did not narrow. At the end of the third quarter, the Clippers trailed the Spurs by 28 points. Harden scored 17 points, 3 boards, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, and 5 turnovers, while Wenyambo scored 27 points, 8 boards, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 turnover. Comparing the star players of both teams, the gap was too great.
The fourth quarter was garbage time, with Wenyambo continuing to play for a bit, not even breaking a sweat, while Harden did not return to the court. The Clippers lost the game, dropping from fifth to eighth in the Western Conference, falling three places, which is terrifying. Meanwhile, the Spurs remain ninth in the West, closing the gap with the teams ahead. The Clippers face a tough schedule ahead, a veritable demon schedule, with many tough battles to fight. They hope Cardi Zige can recover quickly.