In a thrilling showdown at the Staples Center, Damian Lillard took charge in the final period, scoring 16 of his 35 points, to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 124-117 win against a depleted Los Angeles Clippers team on Sunday.
Amidst his impressive 3-pointer streak in the fourth quarter, Lillard, alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, who notched 34 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, helped the Bucks bounce back from consecutive defeats to the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.
With the Clippers missing key players Kawhi Leonard and Paul George due to injuries — Leonard dealing with a sore left groin and George a sore left knee — James Harden struggled to pick up the slack, going 5-for-16 from the field and securing 13 points and 11 assists. Despite being without over 57 points per game from their usual starting lineup, the Clippers kept up with the Bucks until the game’s final moments.
The absence of Russell Westbrook also hurt Los Angeles, but Norman Powell stepped up, scoring 20 of his 26 points in the latter half of the game. Despite the roster challenges, the Clippers almost repeated their strong performance from their win over the Chicago Bulls just a day prior.
Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue previously expressed his concerns over the team’s tough weekend schedule. However, the Clippers are looking forward to a change of pace with their upcoming move to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, which they anticipate will alleviate such scheduling conflicts.
The close contest, a repeat of the Milwaukee’s win against the Clippers a week earlier, remained tight until Lillard’s late-game surge which included three free throws and a decisive 3-pointer to establish a comfortable lead for the Bucks.
Amid struggles, Harden performed below his usual standard, particularly from beyond the arc, where he made only 1 of his 6 attempts. Additionally, P.J. Tucker managed to score his first points since mid-November, contributing seven points for the Clippers after recently being fined by the NBA for his public request to be traded.
WHAT’S NEXT
Clippers: The team will be hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
Bucks: Milwaukee travels to face the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.
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FAQ
- Why were Kawhi Leonard and Paul George not playing?
- Both Leonard and George were sidelined due to injuries, with Leonard suffering from a sore left groin and George from a sore left knee.
- How did Norman Powell contribute to the game?
- Norman Powell had a significant impact, scoring 20 of his 26 total points in the second half of the game.
- What was the significance of this game for the Bucks?
- The victory prevented the Bucks from suffering a three-game losing streak, redeeming themselves after previous losses to Golden State and the Lakers.
- Where can fans learn more about NBA updates?
- Fans can visit the official NBA page at https://apnews.com/NBA for more information and updates.
Conclusion
Damian Lillard’s clutch performance in the fourth quarter was pivotal for the Milwaukee Bucks’ victory over the Clippers. Despite the Clippers’ significant injuries and a strenuous schedule, they put up a strong fight, demonstrating depth and resilience. As the NBA season continues, the Bucks look to maintain their momentum, while the Clippers anticipate their move to the Intuit Dome in hopes of a more favorable setup for their future campaigns.