The Clippers' victory over the Chicago Bulls was crucial for them, especially in light of their challenging upcoming schedule.
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Tuesday night, Kawhi Leonard led the Los Angeles Clippers with 33 points, while Norman Powell chipped in with 27 points as they defeated the Chicago Bulls 108-103. The Clippers, who have won six of seven, were helped by Paul George, who added 16 points and 10 rebounds. The Bulls lost the opening game of a four-game homestand, with Nikola Vucevic leading the way with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Zach LaVine ended with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while DeMar DeRozan scored 20 points.
Despite having a three-quarter lead of 85-84 and never trailing in the fourth, Los Angeles was unable to overcome the Bulls until the very last few seconds. With 5.2 seconds remaining and the Clippers leading 106-103, Leonard stole the ball from LaVine and sank both of his free throw attempts to seal the deal.
Chicago had 20 turnovers, which was two fewer than its previous season’s high. The Clippers were behind by as many as 19 points midway through the second quarter, but thanks to a 16-2 rally in the closing minutes, they were only down 58-54 at the break. For Los Angeles, Ivaca Zubac ended with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Watch the highlights below.
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With six victories in their previous seven games, including tonight’s victory over the Chicago Bulls, the LA Clippers have been playing really well lately. Kawhi Leonard is aware that the squad still has a lot of catching up to accomplish despite their recent success. Kawhi Leonard had a frank response when asked if he was happy with where LA stands after the Clippers upset the Chicago Bulls.
“No, Kawhi Leonard said. “We had a slow start, so we got a lot of catching up to do, but we’re making the right strides.”
Although the Clippers’ victory over the Chicago Bulls was only a 19-point comeback, it was a very valiant one. Despite shooting less than 40% from the field and 12/44 from three, the club still managed to win. Together, Terance Mann, Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard, and Nicolas Batum made 4/31 of their field goal attempts. Defense is the key to that victory.
“Getting stops down the end,” Kawhi Leonard said. “Limiting them to one shot, getting that rebound, coming down with pace, and making shots.”
The Clippers’ victory over the Chicago Bulls was crucial for them, especially in light of their challenging upcoming schedule. The 13 games that LA plays after that are against playoff opponents. Although the Los Angeles Clippers are now the fourth seed, they are only 1.5 games from the third slot and 3 games from the 12th seed. Simply, the moment has come to win.
Cavaliers: George and Leonard, who missed Sunday’s defeat to Cleveland due to stiff knees, have both returned for the Clippers.
Bulls: LaVine was fouled by Powell at the top of the key with 1:03 remaining, but missed the first two of his three free shots, keeping the Bulls’ deficit at 104-103. A career-worst eight turnovers were made by DeRozan.
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