Clippers' defense tested in decisive win over Bucks
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INGLEWOOD — Giannis Antetokounmpo was there. So were Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez and the rest of the red-hot Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, who came into Intuit Dome having won eight of their past 10 games.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, ranks second in the league in scoring and fifth in rebounding, while Lillard, an eight-time All-Star, is always a threat from outside as is Lopez, who is averaging 37.0% from 3-point range. The Bucks are also the second-best 3-point shooting team in the NBA at 39.0%.
The Clippers knew their defense, rated second in the league, was going to be tested in a big way.
"We got to be locked in," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said before the game. "We understand what we’re trying to do, but it’s going to be tough until you actually play the game and see what they’re trying to do. They got three guys that put you in tough positions. So, we just got to be locked into what we’re trying to do defensively."
Despite the Bucks' high percentage shooting and 65 points from its two stars, the Clippers came away with a 127-117 victory.
The Clippers (26-17) not only locked in but locked down their opponents to end their five-game homestand on a high note. They finished with a 3-2 mark for the week.
James Harden led the Clippers' attack with 40 points, five rebounds and nine assists. It was his third 40-point game this season, becoming just one of three players to post 40 or more points.
Norman Powell made 11 of 23 shots and finished with 33 points for his eighth 30-point game this season, a career-high.
Kawhi Leonard contributed 18 points, three rebounds and four assists in 24 minutes before taking a seat.
With the score tied at 100-all, the Clippers' offense took over. Derrick Jones Jr. got the Clippers started with a layup then Harden, Powell and Amir Coffey did the rest. The three did all the scoring over the next six minutes of the game.
The Clippers got to boost from 13 turnovers by the Bucks that led to 23 points. They also outrebounded the Bucks, 46-41.
Lue's strategy on Antetokounmpo was to keep him from shooting mid-range shots, where he is averaging 46% this season.
"He’s really improved, worked on his game, but I’d rather him take those and let him get to the paint and dunks then getting to the free throw line and getting guys in foul trouble."
No matter how good the Clippers' defense was, they couldn't stop Antetokounmpo from getting to the line. The 6-foot-11 forward made 12-of-15 free throws, finishing with 36 points and 13 rebounds.
Lillard scored 29 points and had 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Bucks (25-18).
The Clippers’ defense was fully on display in the first half, highlighted by Powell's block of Brook Lopez under the basket, keeping the Bucks from taking the lead midway through the second quarter. Powell is 6-foot-4; Lopez is 7-foot-1.
The Bucks, though, didn't let the Clippers' tough stance stand in their way. They were able to get several easy rolls to the basket early on, leading to an 11-point lead in the first quarter. Antetokounmpo had 15 of his 36 points in the first half as did Lillard.
"What (Antetokounmpo) does in transition, what he does in the paint. And then of course Dame, his scoring ability, his shooting ability. But then you have a guy (Lopez) that’s 7-1 that shoots 3's, three or four feet behind the line. He puts you in some tough predicaments defensively."
Coffey and Kevin Porter Jr., along with Terance Mann came into the game in the second quarter and helped get the Clippers back into the game, eventually taking a five-point lead in the second quarter. But they couldn't overcome the Bucks late in the first half and trailed 59-58 at the half.
