INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Clippers have a behavior of constructing issues tough for themselves.
So why ought to making an attempt to win for the primary time of their new dwelling be any totally different?
It took 5 makes an attempt, however the Clippers lastly broke via Monday night time on the Intuit Dome, overcoming a 26-point deficit in a 113-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
“That is the Clippers method. We will not do it the straightforward method, we at all times should combat again and be dramatic, however a win is a win,” the middle stated Ivica Zubacwho had 17 factors and 13 rebounds.
Proprietor Steve Ballmer joked with gamers earlier than the sport that he thought his new $2 billion constructing was cursed and he might need to tear it down and begin over. Though this helped to lighten the temper, the Clippers knew that the stress was mounting to interrupt via.
“I am simply joyful to get that out of the best way. Now we are able to exit and play freely. I feel we did that within the second half,” stated James Hardenwho had 17 factors.
The Spurs led 40-14 on the finish of the primary quarter earlier than the Clippers fought again. It was Los Angeles’ largest comeback after trailing late within the first quarter, overcoming the 23-point deficit it had after 12 minutes in Boston on February 9, 2019.
Wonderful comebacks, nevertheless, have turn out to be a trademark throughout Tyronn Lue’s 5 seasons as Clippers coach.
They trailed by 35 within the first half at Washington on Jan. 25, 2022, earlier than successful 116-115. Final season, in addition they trailed Cleveland by 26 within the third quarter earlier than rallying for a 120-118 victory.
Monday’s comeback is tied for the Clippers’ third-largest comeback from a deficit since 1996, in accordance with Sportradar.
“We performed good and laborious at dwelling, however we solely missed 4 video games. We held on,” Lue stated.
The Clippers minimize the result in eight by halftime and had been inside 4 getting into the fourth quarter.
LA went on a 33-9 run in 9 minutes from late within the third quarter till 4 minutes into the fourth to take management.
It was San Antonio’s largest lead on the finish of the primary quarter and the fourth-largest deficit in Spurs historical past.
“It is a very well-coached group with lots of veterans who’ve performed in lots of high-level video games. There’s lots of working in video games. I feel we are able to study extra about consideration to element and consistency of straightforward basketball,” stated Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson, who took over head teaching duties whereas Gregg Popovich was out indefinitely because of sickness.
The Clippers’ subsequent dwelling sport will even obtain elevated consideration. They host Philadelphia on Wednesday night time after Paul Georges made his season debut Monday night time for the 76ers in a loss at Phoenix.
George performed 5 seasons with the Clippers earlier than signing with Philadelphia within the offseason.
“He was a fantastic teammate, a fantastic pal. Will probably be enjoyable to play towards him,” Zubac stated.
