The Los Angeles Clippers showcased resilience and teamwork during Saturday’s NBA action, overcoming a deficit to clinch a 112-102 victory over the Chicago Bulls. This triumph marked their third consecutive win, demonstrating their formidable presence in the league.
Paul George led the charge with 22 points, followed closely by Kawhi Leonard, who contributed 19 points to the team’s effort. James Harden, demonstrating his versatility, recorded his second triple-double of the season with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, further solidifying his place among the elite with the 76th triple-double of his career.
“We talked about at halftime just what to look for just in terms of their coverages and what’s going to be available. And I thought we did a good job of responding,” said associate head coach Dan Craig.
The turning point came in the fourth quarter, where Norman Powell‘s sharp shooting, including two crucial 3-pointers, ignited an 11-point run for the Clippers, reversing the course of the game after trailing 85-83 at the end of the third.
“I thought we were getting downhill, with our attacks. As much as they hugged the paint, I thought we found ways to get crafty and get downhill,” George said. “I thought we played defense. I thought that was the difference between the two halves. We played defense and brought some physicality.”
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Despite battling illness, Tyronn Lue led the team through the game, although he was absent from pregame and postgame engagements.
The Bulls, on the other hand, struggled in the fourth quarter, making only five of their 18 shots and missing eight of their nine attempts from beyond the arc.
Ivica Zubac made significant contributions, particularly in the third quarter, scoring 10 of his 16 points to help the Clippers recover from a 16-point deficit. James Harden praised the collective effort, emphasizing the importance of varied contributions to the team’s success.
“Every game we’re going to need someone different,” Harden said. “I thought it was everyone who contributed.”
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With this win, the Clippers, now at 41-21, solidify their fourth-place standing in the Western Conference. They are currently navigating a challenging schedule, including three games in four days, with the added complication of daylight saving time adjustments.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 24 points and 10 assists, but the team’s three-game winning streak came to an end. Nikola Vucevic added a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Despite the loss, the Bulls are determined to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference as they pursue a playoff berth without the necessity of participating in the play-in tournament.
“I thought we started the first half well. We moved the ball and made some shots. The turnovers and our inability to make enough shots, kind of impacted the third quarter,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan remarked.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls Updates
The Bulls are set to host the Dallas Mavericks next, while the Clippers prepare to face the Milwaukee Bucks, both teams eager to build on their current momentum.
