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3 highlights for Clippers in loss to Timberwolves

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:35 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Corbin Warnock/FanSided via LA Sports Hub

January 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers watches game action against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Three highlights to take away from the Clippers’ heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Clippers had the game in the bag, then it spilled all over them at the end of regulation.

At some point between the third and fourth quarter Lob City had a lead of around 10 plus points. Unfortunately they ended up losing by three points.

They allowed their opponent to come back and eventually win the game. Los Angeles had this game and their defense just failed on them in the end.

The Clippers were playing great basketball looking impressive without stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

This loss proves two things, one the Clippers need them and two Lob City can find ways to win without them. On the bright side there are 3 highlights to take from this loss.

Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) talk against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. LA Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles can compete with anyone despite injuries

Lob City learned they can play without all of their “Big 3” on the court.

They should have won this game, instead they lost by allowing their opponent to make shots when it counted the most.

For the Clippers, there were four starters in double figures.

Redick had 9 points, just shy of double digits.

These stats look like winning stats, yet the statistic that shows a reason why they lost is because Deandre Jordan couldn’t make all his free throws.

Before this game without Griffin, they won 6 straight games. All of their big 3 make an impact whether they are playing or sitting out a game and this game proved a point.

January 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) moves in to score against Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and forward Nemanja Bjelica (88) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

DeAndre Jordan remained effective, dropping double-double

Jordan came in clutch in the loss, recording 29 points and 16 rebounds. Also, he had 2 assists and 2 blocks.

His presence in the paint makes a difference. Jordan forces his opponents driving to the rim to attempt shots they normally wouldn’t or pass the ball.

When opponents drive at him to attempt jump shots he makes them alter their release.

Altering their release leads to a lower percentage of made shot attempts.

On the offensive end of the floor he sets high screens which leads to multiple lob slam dunks by him.

He is a tremendous player at crashing the glass earning him many rebounds and points.

January 16, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) moves the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Rivers can hold his own

Austin Rivers is the perfect backup for when Chris Paul is injured. He seems to play at a higher level as a starter than when he is coming off the bench.

Rivers always plays with passion but seems to turn into a different player, a leader to lead his team to a possible victory with his competitiveness drive.

For example, in Thursday night’s loss he recorded 20 points with 2 assists and was near excellent from the charity stripe.

There were rumors swirling around, that Los Angeles needed a point guard while veteran Paul is out with his finger injury.

Rivers’ performance proved that Lob City does not need to sign or trade for a point guard while Paul is out.

January 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) attempts a shot as Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau watches while guard Zach LaVine (8) defends during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Closing Thoughts

Lob City realized in their loss that they can compete with any team in the league without their big three playing together.

Different players had big performances to give Lob City a chance for victory.

Secondly, Jordan proved he is able to be an offensive leader when the team needs him. He did this by being consistently posting another double-double.

Lastly, instead of looking for another point guard the organization needs to look at the players on the team.

Austin Rivers is the correct backup for Chris Paul, therefore there is no need to search for a point guard while Paul is injured.

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