By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Los Angeles Clippers continued their terrific performance on the road after crushing the Boston Celtics, 115-96, and dealt them their second loss in their home floor last January 28, 2024, in the ongoing NBA regular season.
After three dominant scoring quarters, the Clippers never looked back after building a 36-point lead heading into the final frame of the inter-conference duel.
From the get-go, it was all Los Angeles after superstar Kawhi Leonard set the tone with his efficient shooting from the field.
Leonard dropped 26 big points in just 29 minutes of playing time after sitting out the entire fourth quarter. He also tallied seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Fresh off its best-shooting percentage of the season against the Miami Heat, the Celtics cooled down in their home court and had difficulties in buying a basket when the Clippers started to balloon its advantage.
Overall, Boston only shot 36/100 (36%) from the field, committed 11 turnovers, and got outscored in the shaded lane by 16 points, 64-48.
Despite the Clippers only shooting 10/40 from the three-point line, they made it up in their timely defensive adjustments as they recorded eight total steals and eight blocks.
Boston’s second unit tried to spark a massive comeback after Payton Pritchard put on an offensive showcase in the fourth but the Clippers’ double-digit lead was just too much to overcome.
Daniel Theis also had his best scoring game for the Clippers so far and contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
With main center Ivica Zubac still absent due to a right calf strain injury, the duo of Theis and Mason Plumlee filled his spot well for six straight games.
Paul George also continued his streak of double-digit scoring after putting up 17 markers, six rebounds, two steals, and an assist.
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum was the only star who stepped up for the Celtics after producing 21 points in just three quarters alongside 11 rebounds.
The Celtics will look to redeem themselves on January 30, 2024, as they square off against the New Orleans Pelicans in an inter-conference meeting.
On the other hand, the Clippers will aim to extend its winning streak to six games against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the same scheduled matchup with Boston and New Orleans.
