In this highly anticipated LA derby, the Clippers defeated the Lakers with a score of 116-102, not only securing a thrilling victory but also giving team owner Ballmer a glimpse of the team's limitless potential. After the game, the outstanding performance of Kawhi (Leonard) and the overall play of the team brought to light three exciting facts.
Harden's Steady Play Bolsters the Clippers' Foundation
Since joining the Clippers, Harden's role has become increasingly prominent. In this game, he scored 16 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists. He is like the team's stabilizing force, firmly protecting the Clippers' foundation. With his points in this game, Harden's career total surpassed that of his predecessors, climbing to 14th in history. This achievement is not only a highlight of Harden's personal career but also injects a strong dose of confidence into the Clippers. With Harden on the team, the Clippers always maintain strong competitiveness in the Western Conference, staying at the forefront and not falling behind.
Kawhi's Full-Fledged Performance Raises the Team's Championship Ceiling
The recovered Kawhi (Leonard) displayed astonishing dominance in this game. No longer hiding his strength, he showed an all-around offensive and defensive performance, raising the Clippers to championship level. Kawhi operates like a highly efficient basketball machine; offensively, his one-on-one moves are unstoppable, and every shot is a threat. He finished the game with 19 points, 1 rebound, and 4 assists from 9 out of 13 shots. The coach's reasonable rest schedule allowed Kawhi to maintain ample energy in key games, maximizing his advantages. Such a state of Kawhi undoubtedly makes the Clippers a strong contender for the championship this season.
Zubac's Strong Revenge, Unbreakable Team Defense
As a former Lakers player, Zubac had a chance to prove himself in this game. Facing his old team, he showed no mercy, scoring 21 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists. His strong performance kept Davis in check. Zubac's dominance in the paint, coupled with the Clippers' high-quality rim protection from their frontline players, significantly improved the team's defensive efficiency, currently ranking second in the league. Additionally, Powell, who focuses solely on scoring without worrying about defense, also performed well, scoring 22 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. The Clippers' strong defensive system provided a solid guarantee for the team's victory.
This victory has shown Ballmer the infinite possibilities of the Clippers. With a complete lineup, the Clippers have Harden to stabilize the foundation, Kawhi to raise the ceiling, and outstanding performances from players like Zubac and Powell, showcasing their powerful strength on both offense and defense. It is believed that in future games, the Clippers will surely aim for higher goals and bring more exciting performances to fans.