The Los Angeles Clippers have by far, been one of the best teams in the NBA this season. But sometimes being one of the best can hurt the team, just as much as it can benefit the team. Just ask the Doc Rivers and the Clippers.
Even without Blake Griffin, the Clippers were up by 18 points on the Brooklyn Nets by the end of the third quarter. But they became content and satisfied with the lead. The Clippers began playing poor defense, taking quick shots, and overall not respecting the Nets.
One play sums up the game where Paul Pierce went for a dunk, but was fouled on the play. While on the ground Chris Paul pretended to give him CPR. It was all fun and games until the Nets continued to play hard and cut into the lead.
The nets fought their way back into the game, and won in double over time.
After the game Doc Rivers explained to NBA columnist Brian Mahoney, his idea on what happened to the Clippers. “We were walking around like we done something and that bothers me because we’ve done nothing.” Rivers said. “We haven’t done anything. For us to walk around against a team, that to me is playing their hearts out every night just to win one game, us to walk around like we done something, it bothers me on a basketball level.”
Chris Paul notched a triple double in the loss finishing with 26 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. Deandre Jordan had a huge night putting up 21 points and grabbing 23 rebounds. For the Nets, Sean Kilpatrick who has been very good this season, finished with 38 points and 14 rebounds. Brook Lopez added 27 points and 8 rebounds.
The Clippers will visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
The Nets will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.
