 |
| Getty Images |
Highlights Video :
Will home court advantage bring some good fortune to the Clippers after being beat down by Golden State by 46 points just five short days ago?
The Clippers decided to shake up the starting lineup for their match-up against the Suns on Wednesday night; Doc Rivers elected to take Luc Mbah A Moute out of the lineup and insert Raymond Felton in. The lineup sported three guards on the floor at the same time. Even with how unconventional it seemed, Los Angeles won the game by ten points (124-114).
It was Los Angeles' first game since getting obliterated by Golden State on January 28 by 46 points. It was just their second win in their last six games. The team has been struggling since their floor leader, Chris Paul, tore a ligament in his thumb against OKC. Is the tri-guard starting lineup going to work against the versatile roster of Golden State?
Steph Curry reappeared in the Warriors' lineup on Wednesday night against the Hornets. The stomach flu kept him out last game against Portland, but Golden State still prevailed on the road, 113-111. Curry scored 39 points, including 11 threes in the first three quarters of play. The Davidson product is averaging 26.1 points per game in his last ten games. Klay Thompson also showed up with 29 points of his own in the 126-111 win.
Golden State was without Zaza Pachulia in last night's game, but JaVale McGee filled the void quite nicely; his nine points and four blocks are just what the Dubs need out of him going forward. Draymond Green also added four blocks to help the defensive effort. Golden State thrives when Green focuses on defense and doing the dirty work.
Keys to the game
Golden State Warriors
JaVale McGee: This may sound silly, but McGee is something that Golden State didn't have down the stretch of the NBA finals - a rim protector. The ninth-year center shoots 16 percentage points higher in wins than losses for the Warriors. If he can contribute from night-to-night, this team could prove to be virtually unstoppable.
Fast-break points: Golden State was in top form on Wednesday night. The 126-111 win was a great, all-round team win. The Dubs are at their best when they are running their opponent out of the gym. They outscored Charlotte 38-14 on the fast-break.
Los Angeles Clippers
Blake Griffin: It's hard to replace arguably the best floor general in basketball, but Griffin has to be huge for L.A. if they want to win any games without Paul. His 29 points, eight rebounds and five assists against Phoenix need to be duplicated in order for the Clips to hang around the fourth seed in the West.
Turnovers: Another effect of missing Chris Paul would be ball security for Los Angeles. In the Clippers' last two wins, they have turned the ball over just combined 21 times. Their last two losses? The team has combined for 33 turnovers. A near perfect game will be needed to beat Golden State.
Projected Warriors starting lineup
PG Steph Curry, SG Klay Thompson, SF Kevin Durant, PF Draymond Green, C JaVale McGee.
Projected Clippers starting lineup
PG Austin Rivers, SG J.J. Redick, SG/SF Raymond Felton, PF Blake Griffin, C DeAndre Jordan.
0 Response to "Golden State Warriors vs LA Clippers Full Game Highlights"