OKC Thunder drops back-to-back road games in loss to Paul George, LA Clippers
LOS ANGELES — Paul George had seen enough.
The Clippers spent so much of Tuesday night slipping into the spots the Thunder couldn’t be. Swinging through its defense, drilling any corner 3s OKC couldn’t cover up. Flying toward the rim for putbacks its bigs couldn’t reach. Piling points on and somehow not shaking the Thunder.
Then came his fourth quarter. 18 points, 7-for-9 shooting, and all the plays the Clippers needed to hand the Thunder a 128-117 loss.
George ignored defenders on pullup jumpers. His eyes widened at corner 3s. He slipped his way to the rim several times. And for his final blow, he reached into the passing lane, dashed down the floor and extended for an improbable reverse slam.
The Thunder had no adequate response. Not after LA held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 19 points on 6-of-16 shooting, or after it held Chet Holmgren to 8 points on 2-for-10 shooting.
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End of 3Q: Clippers 99, Thunder 89
LA shot 66.7% from the field and 5 for 10 from 3 in the third. OKC shot just 39.1% from the field. Rough swing to end the quarter, especially considering it got a lot of the same looks the Clips did.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
Half: Clippers 65, Thunder 61
Coffey’s 3 to end the half only makes sense. Clippers spent a lot of that quarter shredding OKC’s half court defense with its passing and kick outs. LA shooting 12 for 23 from deep, winning rebounds 22-14. SGA just 3 for 9.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
End of 1Q: Clippers 35, Thunder 30
Lapses on some corner 3s to end that quarter. Saw that last time these teams played. Daigneault noted then that if Powell ever has an open corner 3, it’s unintentional. LA 6/9 from 3. Not a great SGA quarter. 1 for 6. Has looked uncomfortable.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
First quarter: Thunder off to nice start
Clippers have dared Josh Giddey and Lu Dort to shoot — Giddey has Plumlee on him. Both have obliged. OKC 7 for 10 to start the game, 3-3 from deep. Giddey and Dort each with a 3.
Clippers lead 22-21 with 5:17 left.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
Pregame: Mark Daigneault comments on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Told by a reporter SGA was limping and asked if he’s considered playing him through injuries to keep the team afloat, Mark Daigneault says “I didn’t see him limping — He’s also really cool. That may just be the swag. We wouldn’t put him out there if there was any major concern.”
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
Thunder vs. Clippers start time today
Matchup: Thunder (27-12) vs. Clippers (25-14)
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 16
Time: 9 p.m. CT
Where: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
Betting line: Clippers by 6
Box score: Click HERE
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Thunder vs. Clippers TV channel today
TV: TNT
Radio: 98.1 FM, 640 AM
Streaming: Fubo (free trial).
If you don't have Bally Sports Oklahoma, you can sign up for Fubo with a free trial to watch the Thunder all season long.
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Thunder drops back-to-back road games in loss to Paul George, Clippers
