While James Harden gradually integrated with his new teammates, the LA Clippers had their first big victory since the blockbuster with the “bearded god”.
“If you are a team struggling with achievements in the NBA, find teams that are in more crisis than you and try to beat them.”
This is a funny comment from the Los Angeles Times when talking about the LA Clippers before the match against the San Antonio Spurs on November 21, where Paul George, Leonard and his teammates just won to create the first unbeaten streak since James Harden arrives.
After losing 6 matches, the Clippers have now had 2 consecutive victories against the Houston Rockets and now the San Antonio Spurs with a strong score of 124-99.
Not to mention the duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, this was the match in which James Harden left his mark with the most assists since joining his new team. He only had 13 points (2-8 3PT shooting) but still completed a double-double with 10 assists, along with 3 rebounds and 2 steals.
“ The more time we play together, the more we will bond and play better,” James Harden shared.
“Personally, I’m still in the process of getting to know my teammates, learning their positional habits so I can decide between attacking or creating. Every match, fans will see us play comfortably. more roof .
“At first we had difficulty rotating the squad, but in the last two matches things seemed to be going better. These two victories do not mean that we have found the optimal solution, but it is a step in the right direction for this team ,” Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue responded to the press conference.
Coinciding with these “two better matches”, Russell Westbrook accepted to sacrifice his position in the starting lineup. He gave up his spot to another player chosen by Mr. Ty Lue, agreeing to become a defender on the team.
Playing alongside players who can stretch the opposing team like Kawhi, Paul George or Terance Mann, James Harden has more space to operate and is given the opportunity to warm up early.
Leading the LA Clippers this match are Paul George (28 points, 6 assists) and Kawhi Leonard (21 points, 4 rebounds). Russell Westbrook, in the second match volunteering to return to the bench, had 10 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals in 25 minutes of play. Daniel Theis and Norman Powell each scored 19 points.
Just like the comment at the beginning of the article, the LA Clippers may be in a difficult time. But their opponent, San Antonio Spurs, is in even more trouble with only 3 wins in 14 matches since the beginning of the season.
Facing the LA Clippers at home, San Antonio was unable to leave a mark, having 16 turnovers and shooting 3-pointers at a rate of only 26.3%. Rookie Victor Wembanyama, after a period of sublimation, is gradually returning to the ground, scoring 9 points in 12 throws (only reaching 4-12 FG).
Young talent Keldon Johnson is the only prominent name with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. But besides him, no one else contributed to stopping the Clippers in both attack and defense.
“ They are a strong team. There are many excellent seniors on the other side of the court and I hope they will be in good shape to conquer the NBA West ,” said Keldon Johnson.
Kawhi Leonard is still booed even after leaving the San Antonio Spurs for more than 5 years
Once a mainstay at the San Antonio Spurs and expected to continue the success of the old era (big-3 Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili), Kawhi Leonard suddenly asked to leave after the 2017 season. 18, moved to Toronto Raptors.
Even though everything happened more than 5 years ago, Spurs fans are still quite “spicy” towards Kawhi and boo fiercely every time this player touches the ball. As for himself, Leonard said he sympathizes with and still loves his community. fan community in San Antonio.
“I understand why they are upset. The fans here are passionate and loyal, willing to do everything for their team to win.
On the field it was like that with a lot of booing, but when I met them outside they still smiled at me, showing respect and gratitude. That’s why I still love the fans here,” Kawhi Leonard shared.
Soon, the LA Clippers and San Antonio Spurs will have a rematch on Thursday morning, still at the Spurs’ stadium. The Clippers will then return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Spurs will visit the Golden State Warriors, both matches taking place on Saturday morning.