Clippers Outduel Heat Behind Kawhi and Harden
In a fun Sunday evening game on ESPN, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Miami Heat 103-95. The two teams fought hard in a back-and-forth game that featured playoff physicality and toughness. The Clippers scored just 19 first-quarter points, and the teams were knotted at a score of 43-43 heading into halftime. Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard took over in the third quarter, showing off his shot-making abilities and prowess on the defensive end. Leonard had his Clips up too going to the fourth, and it was James Harden’s time to be the guy to begin the fourth quarter.
Harden showcased his miraculous shot-creation skills on two separate four-point play opportunities. Harden flirted with a triple-double in this one, finishing with 21 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. Kawhi racked up 25 points of his own, to go along with 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in a typical Kawhi Leonard fill-the-box-score kind of night. Heat star and emotional leader Jimmy Butler played another one of his timid, lethargic regular season games, ending the game with 21 points on just eight of 19 shooting. His unwillingness to take over games at points in the regular season has hurt the team that otherwise lacks a go-to scoring option. Newly acquired guard Terry Rozier dropped 17 points, while Bam Adebayo and Josh Richardson each chipped in 14. The hustle and defensive output have not been an issue for the Heat; their ability to put the ball in the basket has been. Miami is now 2-10 in games this season in which they score under 100 points.
The Clippers are now 25-5 since the beginning of December and have been on an absolute tear with their big three healthy and coexisting. They are now tied in the loss column with the co-first place leading Thunder and Timberwolves and will look to claim the top seed in the West come playoff time. The team will finish their seven-game road trip tomorrow when they travel to face the Atlanta Hawks. The Heat drop to 26-24 and will resume play on Tuesday at home against the Orlando Magic. Coach Erik Spoelstra and the staff must figure out how to ignite Miami’s offense: Jimmy Butler might have to notch up his play a little early on this year.
