Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
We should have known it would be that kind of night when, in the first minute of the game, Kawhi almost had a turnover that became a logo three over point guard Josh Giddy.
By game’s end, Leonard scored at least 20 points for the 44th consecutive game to tie Bob McAdoo’s franchise record set for the Buffalo Braves in 1974-75. Although there was no blowout due to Chicago’s scrappy, fast-paced play and decent defensive effort, the Clippers were in control for most of the game.
John Collins, who is still nursing a neck strain with no timetable for return as of yet, and Darius Garland, due to load management, both sat out. But no matter, as our bench picked up the scoring load to support Kawhi’s cool 28 points in 33 minutes. I’m not sure enough can be said about the season he’s having. It’s not just the scoring or even the inspiring defense he’s played, but the leadership he’s shown in keeping this team focused and never hanging their heads through the many ups and downs that could have easily caused the team to pack it in.
I have to pause a moment to credit this young Bulls team, though. This is the best and most together I’ve seen them in several seasons. They look like a team on the verge of building something, and I’m excited for them and their coach, Billy Donovan.
Back to our squad, the starters all played their roles well. It was a solid game for Derrick Jones Jr. and Chris Dunn, whose stats may not tell much of a story, but I can promise you no one wants to face them on defense right now. Both had double-digit plus/minus. Brooke Lopez hit only 1 of his 4 three-point attempts but had 5 huge blocks, 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. He is the gift that keeps on Brooking. Young gun Kobe Sanders, who had been out of the rotation the last few games, got the start tonight, scored in double figures, and used his height to be a pest on defense.
Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
Perhaps one of the most overlooked turn of events this season is the fact that we went from an inefficient, usually scoreless second unit to having a young, dynamic punch off the bench filled with names most in the NBA won’t recognize but will soon. Led by the 23-year-old Benn Mathurin, who has all the makings of a future 6th man of the year, we got 51 points from this unit against the Bulls, and the last few games prove it is no fluke. Isaiah Jackson, our undersized but athletic center, had 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 8 points in 16 minutes while the rest of the bench contributed with their hard play, savvy, and speed. This report would not be complete without mentioning Jordan Miller and his 14 points off the bench. A homegrown guy who really has put in the work and whose game is fully translating to the NBA. He’s been consistently in double figures, is very crafty near the rim, and all this after his 2 monster dunks against the Timberwolves that I’m not sure even his teammates knew he had in his bag.
After our 4th straight win, it was encouraging to hear Mathurin talk about how he wants to be “the best two-way player in the NBA” and that he’s soaking up all he can from Kawhi, Jones Jr., and Dunn right now. It shows how deeply this club has instilled a sense of pride in defense in the young players. While it’s true that we got off to a slow start in this one and maybe took the Bulls for granted a bit in the first quarter, this team brings the fight every night.
Maybe that’s why during the post-game interview, when a reporter said the team looked like they were “going through the motions,” Ty Lu took visible offense to this point, and then agreed that maybe there was some lethargy, but hell no on the “motions” comment.
Now we move on to the Sacramento Kings, and next week we get what we hope will be a revenge game against the San Antonio Spurs.
The future is fun, fast, young, and bright for these LA Clippers.
Tags: Bennedict Mathurin Bulls Chicago Bulls Clippers Darius Garland Derrick Jones Jr John Collins Jordan Miller Josh Giddey Kings Kobe Sanders Kris Dunn Los Angeles Clippers minnesota timberwolves nba Patrick Williams Sacramento Kings San Antonio Spurs Spurs Timberwolves