Chris Paul missed as Clippers lose sixth straight game
149. Final. 88. 77. 114
The Los Angeles Clippers lose back to back games against top teams in the Western Conference.
The Clippers miss Chris Paul as this is their sixth straight loss. Chris Paul being absent from the lineup is hurting Lob City.
His absence is not only shown on the scoreboard, but in the box score as well.
In their loss to the Houston Rockets Friday night, his absence was shown on the scoreboard.
His absence was shown in the box score in their next game as well.
All starters were held in check by the Thunder defense. Los Angeles was unable to reach 100 points in Saturday’s contest.
Chris Paul has not played due to a sore hamstring.
With him not in the starting lineup, Doc Rivers has been learning who his team leaders are.
Also he has been learning about the confidence of his team and who will show up when starters are out or down.
These last two games have shown him who is confident with taking shots and being the leader on the court.
Tonight Austin Rivers looked like the leader on the court the way he was distributing the ball. Then there are the two big man Brandon Bass and Marreese Speights who were leaders on the scoreboard and box score.
Both big men lead all Clippers with 18 points.
In Paul’s place, Raymond Felton has been the play-maker.
On to 2017. Back home on Monday. pic.twitter.com/VZKBlKnwLA
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 1, 2017
As funny as it may sound, the Clippers played better defense against the Rockets when they allowed many more points.
On Saturday night’s game, they lost behind Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook’s’ triple-double.
The Clippers were out rebounded 44 to 38 and they had 14 assists compared to their opponents 25. Also they nearly had twice as many turnovers as the Thunder 15 to 9.
In the free throw category they had exactly the same percentage 85.7% despite attempting 14 less free throw shots.
Next they were 8-30 from 3 point land to their opponents 10-29.
Lastly, they made 31-75 field goals for 41.3% to their opponents 47.4% off of 37-78 field goals.
Next: Double Ejection Dejects Clippers
All the Clippers can do now is look to start the New Year off strong and with a victory.