The Boston Celtics delivered a decisive blow to the Los Angeles Clippers’ six-game winning streak with a commanding 146-115 victory on Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. This defeat not only marked the end of the Clippers’ impressive run but also highlighted the Celtics’ dominance on the court.
The Clippers had opportunities to narrow the gap throughout the game, managing to cut the lead to single digits multiple times. Yet, the Celtics consistently responded with critical shots or forced turnovers, maintaining their advantage. Boston showcased an impressive shooting performance, hitting 55.2% of their shots from the field and sinking 24 of 51 three-pointers, a 47.1% success rate, much to the delight of the large contingent of Celtics fans.
Brown and White Lead Celtics’ Offense
The Celtics’ offensive onslaught was spearheaded by the formidable duo of Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, who combined for a remarkable 79 points. Brown, the NBA Finals MVP and a four-time All-Star, scored 50 points, along with three rebounds and five assists. White contributed significantly with 29 points, four rebounds, and seven assists.
Brown’s performance was particularly notable, as he dominated the third quarter, scoring 19 points on 7-of-7 shooting, including three three-pointers. This stellar display marked his first 50-point game of the season. The Celtics’ strategy was clear: protect the ball, shoot effectively from beyond the arc, and allow Brown to dictate the pace.
Adding to the Clippers’ woes was the injury of forward Derrick Jones Jr., who limped off the court with 9:25 remaining after colliding with Pritchard at midcourt. This incident occurred while both players were pursuing a loose ball, resulting in Jones landing awkwardly on his right leg, which had previously caused him to miss a month of action.
Clippers Struggle Despite Zubac’s Return
The defeat overshadowed the return of center Ivica Zubac, who was back in action for the first time in two weeks following an ankle injury. Although Zubac appeared to move well, he started the game on the bench, a decision made in consultation with head coach Tyronn Lue. Lue emphasized that while Zubac is the starting center, the team found a good rhythm during their winning streak, prompting Zubac’s willingness to come off the bench initially.
Zubac had suffered a Grade 2 sprained ankle during the first quarter of a game against the Lakers on December 20, 2023, and had been expected to miss three weeks. Remarkably, he returned after just five games missed, contributing four points and seven rebounds. “I went hard in rehab to make a quicker return,” Zubac stated, expressing his relief at being back on the court.
Despite Zubac’s return, the Clippers struggled to find their offensive rhythm. Kawhi Leonard, who had been instrumental during the winning streak, managed only 22 points on 6-of-17 shooting, while James Harden contributed 18 points and 12 assists. The team, which had been excelling in three-point shooting, made only 15 of 38 attempts against the Celtics.
The Clippers’ defense faltered significantly, allowing 42 points in the first quarter—the most points they have given up in a quarter this season. The Celtics quickly established a lead, with Leonard and Harden unable to find their footing early in the game. By the end of the first quarter, the Clippers trailed 42-28, with Collins as the highest scorer for the team with just eight points in that period.
Coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the challenge posed by the Celtics, stating, “They change their coverages up a lot. You never get a steady diet of the same thing.” He highlighted the defensive prowess of Celtics players, including White and Brown, who both excelled in the first half with 20 and 23 points, respectively, giving Boston a 71-63 lead at halftime.
In the second quarter, the Clippers showed signs of improvement as Collins and Jones stepped up, combining for 33 points in the first half. They managed to cut the lead to six points at one point, but the Celtics consistently responded, ultimately securing a decisive win.
The Clippers will need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back from this significant loss. The challenge now is to maintain their competitive edge and learn from their experience against one of the league’s top teams.
