In an NBA game that ended today, the Clippers lost 100-121 to the Timberwolves, there was basically no suspense in this battle, the Clippers fell behind by 4 points in the first quarter, and successfully overtook in the second quarter, but the situation changed abruptly in the third quarter, the Clippers offense lost power, the Timberwolves won 21 points in a single quarter, and the Clippers launched a counterattack many times in the final quarter. In terms of statistics, Leonard had 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 turnovers, Harden had 17 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists, George had 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, Wei Shao had 11 points, 2 rebounds and 3 steals, Coffey had 10 points and 2 assists, Zubac had 6 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists, and Mann had 2 points.
The whole league knows that the Clippers are strong, but so far in the season, we have found that the Clippers are not invulnerable, like the inside is the biggest shortcoming, according to statistics, the Clippers' two key card battles were lost to the Timberwolves, it is conceivable that if the two sides meet in the playoffs, then the Clippers are absolutely more than lucky, the Timberwolves lineup is balanced inside and outside, and it is no exaggeration to say that it is the nemesis of the Clippers. Not only that, but this season, the Clippers have lost to the Timberwolves and Pelicans, three teams with super interior strength, and have also lost to the Cavaliers in the East once. After the previous game with the Cavaliers, the famous basketball commentator Su Qun suggested that the Clippers choose a reasonable ranking and avoid the Lakers in the first round.
Mr. Su Qun's remarks at that time were complained about by many people, and the general opinion was that the Lakers were not worth mentioning, and they were not the same level as the Clippers, but unfortunately if we analyze carefully, can the Clippers really pass the playoffs when they meet the Lakers? The answer is difficult, first of all, the Lakers have a thick eyebrow brother on the inside, and no one in the Clippers can limit him. Secondly, James will turn on the all-out Zhan mode in the playoffs, what will the Clippers take inside to protect the basket? Counting on Zubac and Plumlee is to send the score.
The last point is also very important, the Lakers and the Clippers played in the playoffs, which means that the home court advantage is all on the Lakers' side, to sum up, the Clippers are really not easy to play against the Lakers, even if they can pass, I am afraid they have to play at least 6 games, strictly speaking, the only team in the West that is really not afraid of the Lakers is the Nuggets.
Looking at this game, in addition to the bad inside, the Clippers also exposed some problems, such as the third quarter, the Timberwolves suddenly made a force, Edwards and Gobert scored on the inside, and in the next round, Towns and McDaniels began to exert their strength again, the Clippers couldn't prevent it, and their outside line was not accurate, so the point difference was quickly opened, Harden was also very helpless, the ball was passed out, teammates just couldn't shoot, which means that the role of the bearded organization could not be played, but the Clippers relied too much on Harden, Once the beard is off the floor, the Clippers' offense will come to a standstill. I have to complain, George is really unpredictable, he finally broke out in the last game, but today he was 5 of 16 and 2 of 8 three-pointers.
And Harden's play is also flawed, the bearded offensive end in the first half is quite resolute, and he should shoot, but he only scored 3 points in the second half, and he simply didn't shoot, we said that when George felt sluggish, Harden really couldn't bear it, he should shoot more and score more, maybe Harden wanted to activate George, just like the previous game against the Pistons, George dug a pit in the first three quarters, and was fed by Harden to live 15 points in a single quarter in the last quarter, but the Clippers can't bet on George's state, since he has no touch in front of him, then Harden might as well be full of firepower. Secondly, Wei Shao also has a certain responsibility, it is easy to play, and he often plays *** in this game, and the Clippers have Leonard and Coffey to play normally.
Harden was interviewed after the game, the bearded man was a little frustrated, and said about the loss: "The Timberwolves are a very good team, they can be the first in the West for a reason, we can't limit their impact on the inside, Towns and Gobert both grabbed a lot of rebounds, scored a lot of points, some of our details were not done well, they intercepted a lot of our passes, I need to create better open opportunities for my teammates." First of all, Harden acknowledged the strength of the Timberwolves. Secondly, Harden believes that the Clippers can't defend the Timberwolves twin towers, which is a direct showdown, and the beard is really daring to say it. Third, Harden doesn't quite think that the loss is the reason for the interior explosion, and he himself is taking the blame, thinking that his passing is not in place.
Harden is reminding the Clippers that the interior has become the team's biggest shortcoming, but unfortunately, although the Clippers can see the reality, the interior shortcomings can hardly be solved, after all, the door to the trade market has been closed, and the Clippers can only count on Zubac and Plumlee to be tougher. Leonard also talked about the interior problem in an interview after the game, and the small card said: "We have to see how we play, see what we didn't do well, and improve our interior and get better," Obviously, Leonard is not satisfied with the Clippers' interior line. As mentioned earlier, the Clippers are destined to be in a tough battle in the playoffs, and the first task is to find a way to avoid the Lakers in the first round, otherwise if the two sides really meet, the Clippers will not be sure to win.