On December 28, 2024, Beijing time, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors at home with a score of 102-92. Despite both teams missing key players, the Clippers secured victory with their stable team performance and multiple scoring points. Here is a review of the game's highlights and seven undeniable facts.
Game Review: Clippers Blossom Everywhere, Warriors Fail to Turn the Tide
First Quarter: A Tug-of-War Start
After the game started, both teams quickly entered the state. Zubac scored first in the paint, and Wiggins responded for the Warriors through mid-to-long-range shooting. Both sides missed multiple attacks, but the Clippers gradually widened the gap through Dunn's breakthroughs and Powell's counterattacks. At the end of the first quarter, the Clippers led 21-19.
Second Quarter: Clippers Establish an Advantage
Entering the second quarter, the Clippers launched an offensive climax, with Powell and Zubac continuously scoring under the basket, and the team gradually expanded the point difference. Although the Warriors once narrowed the point difference through Hield and Li Kaili's three-pointers, the Clippers maintained the lead with Kofi's three-pointer and Dunn's stable output. At halftime, the Clippers led 49-43.
Third Quarter: Clippers Secure Victory
After the start of the second half, the Clippers significantly increased their defensive intensity, forcing the Warriors into multiple turnovers. Zubac continued to score in the paint, and Powell helped the Clippers further expand their lead by breaking through. The Warriors once tried to catch up through Kuminga's personal breakthrough, but failed to form an effective counterattack. At the end of the third quarter, the Clippers had expanded the point difference to 19, with a score of 81-62.
Fourth Quarter: Warriors' Counterattack Fails
In the final quarter, the Warriors launched an 18-4 offensive wave through Kuminga's counterattack and Wiggins' breakthrough, reducing the point difference to 5 points. However, Powell's three-pointer at a critical moment stabilized the Clippers' morale, and the Warriors subsequently fell into a scoring drought again, ultimately losing the game with a score of 102-92.
Seven Inescapable Facts
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Harden is the Rhythm Master of the Clippers
Harden organized the team's offense through precise organization in this game. He contributed 18 points and 7 assists throughout the game. Although his scoring efficiency was average, his passing and court control ability at critical moments made the Clippers' offense orderly. It must be admitted that Harden is playing an indispensable role in this Clippers team.
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Powell is the Pillar of the Clippers' Offense
Powell provided a stable source of points for the Clippers through continuous breakthroughs and mid-range shooting. He shot 10 out of 20 and scored 26 points, becoming the most stable firepower output point for the Clippers. Whether it's a key shot or an offensive move to open the score, he performed with ease.
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Zubac is the Inner Line Barrier of the Clippers
Zubac performed outstandingly on both offense and defense, contributing 17 points and 11 rebounds throughout the game. Not only did he provide a strong defensive barrier under the basket, but he also scored steadily through inside attacks. It must be admitted that Zubac's growth has made him the absolute core of the Clippers' inner line.
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The Warriors' Offense Lacks Core Driving Force
Curry's absence made the Warriors' offense fragmented. Although Kuminga and Hield tried to fill the void, they were unable to connect the team at critical moments, and the offense lacked a sense of hierarchy. It must be admitted that the Warriors' competitiveness has significantly decreased without Curry.
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The Depth of the Clippers' Bench Shows Its Power
Substitute players such as Kofi and Dunn stood out in this game, especially Kofi who hit multiple three-pointers, helping the Clippers stabilize the situation during the score exchange stage. Dunn exerted great pressure on the Warriors defensively, scoring 13 points and grabbing 7 rebounds throughout the game. This bench depth is an important advantage of the Clippers. -
The Warriors' Defensive Intensity Is Insufficient
Compared to the Clippers' high-intensity rotation and change of defense, the Warriors' performance on defense was clearly insufficient. Especially when facing Powell and Zubac's attacks, the Warriors' interior seemed powerless. It must be admitted that defensive loopholes are an important reason for their defeat. -
The Clippers' Attack and Defense System Is Becoming More Perfect
Under Van Gundy's coaching, the Clippers' attack and defense system is becoming more mature. Whether it's the rotation and change of defense on the defensive end or the rhythm control on the offensive end, the Clippers have shown the qualities of a top team. This progress allows them to maintain strong competitiveness in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
Personal Opinion: The Clippers' Outstanding Performance, Problems Revealed by the Warriors
From this game, we can see that the Clippers are gradually finding a balanced rhythm of attack and defense under Harden's leadership. As the team's organizational core, Harden not only connected the offense but also stabilized the team's rhythm at critical moments. His tacit cooperation with Powell and Zubac diversified the Clippers' attacking points. This teamwork is precisely the important reason why the Clippers can continue to maintain competitiveness this season.
Powell's outbreak injected strong firepower into the Clippers. His scoring methods are diverse, whether it's a breakthrough or a mid-range shot, he can maintain high efficiency. Zubac's dominance in the paint has been further enhanced, and this stable performance on both offense and defense makes the Clippers look like a more complete team. In addition, the excellent performances of substitute players such as Kofi and Dunn reflect the depth of the Clippers' bench, which is undoubtedly a major advantage for them in the long season.
On the other hand, the problems of the Warriors are very obvious. The absence of Curry made the team's offense fragmented, and although Hield and Kuminga performed well, they could not make up for the problem of the team's overall lack of connection. On the defensive end, the Warriors also failed to exert enough pressure on the Clippers, especially in defending against Powell and Zubac, which appeared weak.
Overall, the victory and defeat of this game not only reflects the strength comparison between the two teams but also reveals their respective advantages and disadvantages. The Clippers have shown a complete system and the power of teamwork, while the Warriors need to quickly solve the alternative plan when the core is absent and the problems on the defensive end. If the Warriors hope to maintain competitiveness in the playoff competition, they need to make more changes in tactics and personnel adjustments.