Three Takeaways From LA Clippers Winners Win Over The New York Knicks

The LA Clippers elite offense were fully displayed in their 129-115 win over the New York Knicks Sunday. The victory marked their 10th win in 11 games, and the ninth straight win when Kawhi Leonard and Paul George play.

The Clippers regained control of their opponent with a three-point stellar shot. The Knicks saved the competitive game in the first half, slipping just by one point at half-time and taking advantage of the Clippers ’lack of fringe defense. However, as has been the norm this season, the Clippers reassessed at half – time and extended their lead to double numbers by the end of the third quarter. While Knicks forward Julius Randle (27 points, 12 rebounds, five assists) and rookie Immanuel Quickley (25 points, unlimited floaters) troubled the Clippers both inside and out. midfield, LA’s block of three was just awful. They dropped 17 of their 38 attempts, good for 44.7%.

Kawhi Leonard is an MVP candidate (duh)

Kawhi Leonard may not have taken part in the three-point attack (he was only 1-3 on the night), but he was again excellent in all other respects. Lennard scored 28 points at the top of the game on an 8-15 shot, but what was most remarkable was his 11 free-throw attempts. Leonard’s post-match game was just too much to handle for smaller wings like RJ Barrett, and he made use of this non-stop matchup. Defensively, Leonard was alert and active in interceptions, preventing the young New York guards from taking out the old Clippers squad.

Sunday’s win jumps the Clippers back into the 1-seed, and Leonard is the biggest reason for the Clippers ’success. However, many publications and media have still credited Leonard with their initial MVP votes. There are many other worthy candidates, but Leonard at least deserves to be in the conversation. Paul George’s stellar play may have taken votes away from Leonard, but the team would have been much worse without Leonard’s loneliness scoring, floor space, break-ins, and of course, excellent defense. He is one of the most accomplished players in the league, and his team’s roster reflects this.

Patrick Patterson: Just add water

Nicolas Batum sat for Sunday’s matchup with a groin injury, and Tyronn Lue sent veteran Patrick Patterson into the starting lineup instead. Ever a professional, Patterson went from being in and out of the rotation to the team’s starting power forward without missing a beat. He was a good 5-5 from the field, leading 3-3 from a three-point range. The Clippers rallied about Patterson’s readiness, and gave him a fitting nickname to match.

Patterson’s teammates love the nickname, but are still unsure about it.

Reggie Jackson is doing the best of her career

Reggie Jackson is in almost the same position as Patterson. He has been filling in for Patrick Beverley, who has been out in the last four games with a hip injury, and like Patterson, Jackson has not let up the bare jump in block minutes played. Jackson excelled as a tertiary creator alongside George and Leonard; he can run a pick-and-roll if needed, but he can also hit a corner kick just like Beverley did (Jackson was 3-6 from three on the night). He has also played at least one game in which he grabs a defensive defense and takes it from coast to coast, blasting passing defenders for an easy position.

There is no doubt that Jackson (18 points for the game) has earned playing time with such willingness and professionalism. But when Beverley returns, Tyronn Lue has to decide who in the round is going to be shortened. Luke Kennard may be the best choice yet in a vacuum, but chemistry is also a factor. However, if Jackson is taken out of the round, he will be ready when his number is called again.

The Clippers will stay in New York City and face the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night, taking on the league’s latest superteam in Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving.

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