OCEANSIDE — On the second night of a back-to-back the San Diego Clippers (9-4) handled business at home against the Santa Cruz Warriors (1-13), winning 122-112.
They are one game closer to clinching a spot in the NBA G League Winter Showcase Tournament. To qualify, they will need to have one of the top eight records among the entire G League. As of now, they hold a position in the tournament, but to officially clinch it, they will need to win Tuesday night’s game against the South Bay Lakers on the road. The Clippers are 4-1 in their last five games and really have some great momentum to carry them into this culminating matchup.
TyTy Washington Jr. led the way for San Diego, scoring 29 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. He was all over the place for the Clippers — leading the offense for the first three quarters while the rest of the team frankly struggled. “I just came out aggressive, making shots and finding my teammates early. I think the biggest thing for me is just staying consistent on the defensive side of the ball, just keep my man from getting the offensive rebound. It’s hard (to grab my own rebounds) when you got Yanic (Konan Niederhouser), Zach (Freemantle), and Derek (Ogbeide) down there,” he said postgame.
Washington Jr. continued, “My teammates were really just finding me (as well). They picked their energy up, and (that) make me pick (up the intensity as well).” Washington Jr. was referring to the Clippers slow start. They were lagging behind the Warriors most of the game, until little spurts happened that kept them in it. Late in the second half, it seemed everyone was firing on all cylinders which led to the eventual win.
“We had a rough halftime speech with our coach,” Washington Jr. noted. “We know what’s at stake right now. We can’t afford to drop more games if we’re trying to punch our ticket to the Showcase in Orlando. It really was just up to us (to get the job done).”
That they did, because in the second half they outscored Santa Cruz by 21 points. As for Tuesday’s matchup against the Lakers, Washington Jr. said that essentially tonight is over, and its time to focus on the next game. While the win was great, they want to get it out of their heads because every game is a different scenario.
The Clippers will be on the road for their final game of the Tip-Off Tournament. Their game against South Bay will be at 7:00 p.m. on December 16. Again as a reminder, if they win, that will secure their spot in the G League Showcase Cup.