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The shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers were unable to build off their impressive win against the Denver Nuggets and were thoroughly beat down by the L.A. Clippers on Thursday night, losing 118-94.
The Lakers defense was able to cause a few turnovers to start, but the Clippers outside shooting allowed them to take an early 10-4 lead. Kyle Kuzma was able to get his jumper to fall and score five quick points, but defensively they struggled to get stops.
Alex Caruso was able to knock down a 3-pointer in transition, but the Clippers’ outside shooting allowed them to stay ahead by double digits. Kuzma was able to hit two more jumpers toward the end of the quarter, but the Lakers found themselves trailing 29-20.
Clippers finish off season sweep vs. rival Lakers
Field Level Media
07 May 2021, 15:40 GMT+10
The Los Angeles Clippers are the kings of Los Angeles, at least for the regular season.
The Clippers completed a three-game season sweep over their crosstown rivals, steamrolling the Los Angeles Lakers 118-94 on Thursday at Staples Center.
The top shooting 3-point team in the NBA, the Clippersput that skill set on display, making 11 of 19 (57.9 percent) from beyond the arc in the first half to put the game away early.
All five starters for the Clippers finished in double figures. Paul George led the way with 24 points and contributed seven rebounds. Kawhi Leonard totaled 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Ivica Zubac added 14 points and eight rebounds. Marcus Morris Sr. and Reggie Jackson had 10 points apiece.
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
On the surface, it seems like playing the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs would be an unnecessarily difficult matchup for the Clippers. The Lakers are the defending champs, and they have two players who are All-Stars on their worst days in Anthony Davis and LeBron James, and all-NBA or even MVP-type players at their best.
But the Clippers just swept the Lakers and held at least 20-point leads in all three games. Admittedly, James was absent for two games and Davis for almost a full two. Nevertheless, there are a number of reasons why the Clippers should feel comfortable about a potential meeting with the Lakers, despite the high level of talent.
Clippers rout Lakers, move to No. 3 in West
Paul George led seven players in double figures with 24 points and the Los Angeles Clippers routed a Lakers team minus LeBron James 118-94 on Thursday night, moving into the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Canadian Press Kawhi Leonard , The Canadian Press
LOS ANGELES Paul George led seven players in double figures with 24 points and the Los Angeles Clippers routed a Lakers team minus LeBron James 118-94 on Thursday night, moving into the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference playoff race.
The loss kept the defending NBA champion Lakers at No. 6. The Staples Center co-tenants could potentially face each other in the first round.
Ex-NBA All-Star Praises LA Clippers Organization: This Culture Is One Of A Kind
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