(East Los Angeles, CA) November 30, 2021 [From The Editor’s Desk]: The Los Angeles Clippers clashed with the Golden State Warriors, the NBA’s winningest team, in last Sunday’s Western Conference matinee match-up. The early 12:30 pm tip-off didn’t seem to disrupt the loud and faithful Clippers fans, although there were still many Stephen Curry and Warriors fans also in attendance.
This NBA contest marked our first opportunity to cover the Clippers in one of their regular season games as a credentialed member of the their sports media outlets and we kindly Thank them for extending that recognition to us.
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The (11-8) Clippers, entered this game against the (17-2) Warriors, thanks in large part to their (7) game winning streak this month, and earned themselves a Top 5 spot in the Pacific Division standings.
(Game Summary): [1st Qtr]: It was a fairly good start for both teams, as they traded baskets in gathering their rhythms. Golden State took the early lead but the Clippers tied it at (7-7) with (8:15) left. Steph Curry fans greatly enjoyed his deep 3-pointer from the far right corner. Luke Kennard hit a jumper to cut the lead to (10-9). The Clippers went ahead (11-10) on a trey by Eric Bledsoe, as he reached his 10,000th career point with the basket. Ivica Zubac hit a basket for (13-10) lead at (6:15). Marcus Morris, Jr. was fouled on a 3′ short hook in the key. He made it for a (16-10) advantage. Curry fans were treated to his overwhelming sharp-shooting skills as he dropped in several 3 pointers. End of 1st period, (24-20) in favor of the Clippers.
(2nd Qtr): It was again, an “up-and-down” the court pattern for both teams. With 2 minutes remaining in half, the score was tied at (40-40). Paul George was held somewhat in check in what appeared to be an “off shooting” effort, as he netted only (13) for the half. But, he made a pair of free throws, cutting the Warriors lead to just 2 points at the half. Curry also had (13) to lead his Warriors.
(HALFTIME SCORE): Warriors 44 Clippers 42 (Halftime Performance By): Christian & Scooby, Entertainers
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(3rd Qtr): Curry continued to play with his “razzle-dazzle” and “oooh & awwhh” crowd-pleasing effects. This extremely fast start to the period by the Warriors left the Clippers stalled in the gate. It was (58-54) Warriors with (4:23) left. But then it became (67-63) with (1:08) remaining. Starter Jordan Poole put distancing between the teams as he went on his own 3-point streak in the period, hitting several in a row. Paul George on the other hand was doing his best to keep the Clippers within range in a mini-battle of the 3-point shot specialists. Poole came away with the win over George in that encounter by a close margin. The score after three periods was Warriors 75, Clippers 68.
(4th Qtr): At the (6:08) a Technical Foul was assessed to Curry when he believed he was clearly fouled on a hard-driving lay-up. After getting up off his back from the floor, he immediately began to shout at the referee, who apparently did not want to hear him complain in such a highly visible manner. The score was (79-70) at the (8:50) mark. A much-needed time-out was called by the Clippers when the score reached (84-70).
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With (5:48) left, the Clippers called another time-out to stop a second wave of Warrior momentum after an unanswered run. On each Golden State score, their fans in attendance cheered as their lead held steady at (14) points. At the (5:20) mark, Coach Lue called a final time-out to stop the momentum one last time. But the damage had been done and there was no tangible recovery from it.
With the lead now at (95-77), George was still proving to be effective with his 3-point shooting, as he did his best to rally his team. It was a (98-80) score with (4:00) minutes left. Curry hit his 33rd point on a floater in the lane, making the score (100-84). The Clippers reserve center, Isaiah Hartenstein dropped in a quick 4 points to cut the score to (100-88) with (2:52) left. George finished the game with (30). But it was all academic from there as Curry was subbed out and received a visiting crowd ovation for his efforts.
(FINAL SCORE): Golden State Warriors 105 Los Angeles Clippers 90; Total Attendance: 19,068.
(Clippers Stat-Line): Paul George/30 pts/5 rebs/5 assts; Marcus Morris, Jr./13 pts/6 rebs/5 assts; Eric Bledsoe/Reached career 10,000th point club/13 pts/10 rebs/1 blocked shot. The team had (25) turnovers and made (9/28) 3 pointers.
(Warriors Stat-Line): Stephen Curry/33 pts/7-13 3 PTAs/6 assts/6 stls/5 rebs. The team made (17/40) 3-point shots for a 42.5% and had 18 fast break points. (Of Significance): #95/Juan Toscano-Anderson, from Oakland, CA played on the Mexican National team in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The 2nd of the “back-to-back” games against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, resulted in a (123-104) loss for the Clippers as their record fell to (11-10), dropping them into 5th place just ahead of the Lakers.
(Upcoming Games): (Home) Sacramento Kings, Wednesday, 12/1, 7:30 PM tip-off. To view the game, go to Bally Sports SoCal, NBA TV; To listen go to AM 570 KLAC & KWKW (Spanish) – (Away) L.A. Lakers, Friday, 12/3, 7:00 PM tip-off. To view the game, go to Bally Sports SoCal & ESPN-TV; To listen go to: AM 570 KLAC & KTMZ (Spanish)