The LA Clippers’ fans didn’t expect to get such a slap in the face by the Sacramento Kings last night. De’Aaron Fox and the rest of the Kings’ crew obliterated the hosts at their Staples Center.
Kings’ Three-Point Surge
Luke Walton’s guys hit 21 three-pointers in 41 attempts. They didn’t just beat the Clippers but smashed them with 124-103. The key moments in the match happened in the second period, once Sacramento outscored the home side 36-14, making nine threes and knocking out the shocked Clippers.
What was the big problem for Doc Rivers and his crew, was the fact that Kawhi Leonard pulled out from this one during the warm-up. The two-time NBA Finals MVP felt pain in his back, and after evaluating the situation with the Clippers’ medical staff decided that it is better not to risk anything. Meanwhile, Paul George, who was back on the court, played just 19 minutes, and it was obvious that he lacked games.
PG scored just 8 points with 4 boards and dimes, whooting 2-of-10. Lou Williams led the hosts with 22 and Montrezl Harrell added 21 points. Landry Shamed hit five threes for 15 buckets.
De’Aaron Fox poured 34 on LA’s defense, assisting his teammates 8 times. Buddy Hield had 19 buckets, Cory Joseph 16, and Bogdan Bogdanovic 15.
Denver’s Blockbusting Run
The Nuggets were behind the guests from Utah, once they went on a 27-1 run, which demolished the rival. During those moments, the Jazzers were looking lost, while on the other side, Denver splashed from all positions. Eventually, it was 106-100 for Jokic and his team.
The Jazzers tired to make a comeback in the final minutes of the contest, through Jordan Clarkson, who scored 24 of his 37 points in the fourth period. But the home team had Jokic, who scored 11 points in the last six minutes, keeping the distance between the two opponents.
Jokic, who was named the All-Star reserve prior to this game, had 28 points and 10 assists. Will Barton scored 18, and Jerami Grant 15. Torey Craig added 13 and 10 boards, but his defense on Donovan Mitchell was unreal. He limited the All-Star from Utah to just four points and 1-of-12 from the field.
Clarkson had 37 for the Jazz, and Rudy Gobert 21 and 11 rebounds.
This was an important match because both Denver and Utah chase that second spot in the West, and are the direct rivals.
Toronto Posts 9th Straight Victory
The current NBA champions were better than the Cavs after a tough game in Ohio, 115-109. Cleveland was a tough nut to crack, but in the end, the guests from Canada had more composure in the final moments of the contest.
More experience, and a bit better defense were the reasons that earned them a triumph.
Serge Ibaka was 10-of-14 from the field, with 26 points, and right behind the Spaniard was Kyle Lowry with 23. Among the Cavs, Kevin Love and Collin Sexton stood above others with 23 points.
In the rest of the games, Wizards beat Hornets 121-107, Hawks routed 76ers 127-117, and the Celtics routinely beat the Warriors, 119-104.
