Alright, welcome in to the full recap of the Lakers-Clippers game where the Lakers got routed again by the Clippers 97-120, but it wasn't a 30-40+ margin of victory unlike the last two meetings.
I'm going to make this full recap like short and sweet because WrestleMania 30 is like in 30 minutes, but the time this post is published, it's gonna be like in a few minutes. No surprise here that the Lakers would do these kinds of antics against the Clippers, not shooting a high percentage shot and jogging back on defense. Luckily the Clippers didn't give their 100% effort as Doc Rivers expected them to do every game, but it was still a blowout and once again, the Lakers were playing in a handicap game since Kent Bazemore was ruled out the rest of the game after injuring his foot/ankle like in the first quarter? I don't remember, and that left them with just 3 guys on the bench.
The Positives
Jordan Hill, 22 points, 9 rebounds, 10-14 shooting. I'll admit J. Hill was the only positive this game that had a great game. Obviously didn't get a lot of help defensively since DeAndre Jordan was having a dunkfest on him all game. In my opinion, this was one of Hill's greatest all-around game as a Laker. For a big man, he was shooting outside the paint, posting up and making hard earned jump hook shots, and driving to the lane and attacking the basket. He's in my list on who the Lakers should keep because like I said, when you give Hill minutes, he'll produce and he's been improving his game. Mike D'Antoni and J. Hill didn't see eye to eye in New York, but since the Lakers are considering keeping D'Antoni (dumb move) and if that doesn't open his eyes to give Hill more minutes, I don't know what else can happen.
Wesley Johnson, 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals. Wes has been a forgotten name ever since he disappeared after having poor games, but I thought he made decent contributions, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Robert Sacre, 9 points, 10 rebounds. Again, no Kaman, Gasol shut down, Hill and Sacre have to step up. Sacre I thought held his own, giving the Lakers valuable offensive rebounds even though the Lakers weren't capitalizing on Sacre giving them second chances. If he can improve his post game and finish, he can be a decent backup.
The Negatives
Nick Young, 18 points, 5-15 shooting, 2-11 shooting. Let's admit, Swaggy P contributes off the bench all the time, but he wasn't really feeling it this game. Two of Nick Young's made shots, were off lucky bounces, had he missed those, his field goal percentage would've been much lower. Forcing up 3 pointers, questionable shot selection, he's still getting his double digit points, but this was not an efficient game for Young.
Jodie Meeks 17 points, 6-15 shooting. He started getting going in the 4th quarter, but it was already garbage time and the Clippers were resting their starters already. Meeks was ice cold all game and like Nick Young, he was putting up wild shots and it was already too little too late for him to correct his mistakes. When Meeks gets it going, he's on fire, but again consistency is his weakness. He's improved this season, but after his 42 point performance against OKC, he hasn't found the range nor the hot hand.
Conclusion
Only three more games on TV to cover: against Houston, Golden State, and Memphis. Then after Utah the Lakers go to San Antonio for their season finale. Really tough stretches to end the season, considering 4 of those teams are fighting for a playoff spot, although the Spurs will likely rest their starters on the last regular season game. But guaranteed, those are 4 given losses, and maybe even 5 considering the Lakers play Utah at Utah. Not to be a downer, but that could be very possible the last 5 games could be losses unless the Lakers can find a way to play spoiler. I'll see you guys on Tuesday for the Rockets game, then Friday against the Warriors, then Sunday against the Grizzlies, then I'm done. It's frustrating to cover these games, but I love doing it. I'm out guys, stay classy. WrestleMania 30 here I come!
No comments:
Post a Comment