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SALT LAKE CITY — The Clippers come back from 20-point deficit to knock off the Utah Jazz in overtime 120-116 on Thursday night. Los Angeles had big games from big names to help them pickup the victory. The Clippers are now 31-23 after the win and will be on a break until they return to play the Milwaukee Bucks on February 20th.
Here are some takeaways from the Clippers win over the Jazz:
Powell and Harden carry the Clips to victory
There is one All Star playing in the All Star game to represent the Clippers but today’s overtime win shows the Clippers truly have two worthy players.
Let’s start with the guys chosen for the game, James Harden. Harden scored 32 points adding 10 rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
He looked like an All Star point guard on this night.
Harden played amazing but he was outshined by teammate Norman Powell as they came back from a 20-point deficit. Powell scored a game-high and season-high 41 points in the win.
Powell made back-to-back baskets to put Los Angeles up 119-114 with 59 seconds remaining to put the game away.
The Clippers needed everything their top two guys on the night had to offer in the comeback win.
Harden showed that he isn’t close to fading anytime soon and Powell continues to show All Star voters that they got it wrong not including him into the game.
Simmons shines in his Clippers debut
Ben Simmons played in his first career game as a Clippers and did not disappoint.
Simmons had 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. He was 4-of-5 from the field and more importantly had zero turnovers in 27 minutes played.
He look like the all-around player that the NBA world has been use to.
He played all five positions on offense and defense making an instant impact.
Not sure what he will be game in and game out but if this is what the Clippers will get from Simmons the rest of the way. What a steal for a team with true championship aspirations.
Clips go into All Star break on a winning streak
The Clippers go into the All Star break sitting at 31-23 and playing some good basketball while looking to incorporate some new piece.
They won their final three games before the break. It was hard fought but the team found a way to pick up a tough road win.
After losing three straight, Los Angles has righted the ship.
No one expected the Clippers to be sitting at the sixth spot in the West at this point of the year with so many star players missing time.
Kudos to coach Tyronn Lue and his staff who have their team ready to play every game and are well prepared for most of their games.
