The Philadelphia 76ers were aiming to get their 4th straight wins as they host the Los Angeles Clippers. They have already gained control of the East after a win over the Brooklyn Nets. Now, all they have to do is stay in the driver’s seat. Much like their last game, this one would end up coming down to the wire.
The Sixers came out hot right out of the gate. Only 3 minutes into the first quarter, they took a 17-point advantage. The Clippers could not keep up. A layup by Paul George in the final minute bought them within 8. That is as close as they were able to get. Going into the second quarter, the Sixers led 30-21.
Just about the halfway point in the second, the Sixers were up by as much as 14. From there, the Clippers were trying to bite into their lead but would be unsuccessful. Every time they would drive down court, the Sixers defense found ways to force turnovers. Eventually, they scored 8 points off those turnovers. However, despite being down big in the first quarter, the Clippers were only down 12 at halftime. It was a 59-47 game at the break.
Two back-to-back three-pointers by Luke Kennard and George bought the Clippers within 7 early on. They have not been this close since the first quarter, so an alarmed Doc Rivers called timeout. After talking it over, Joel Embiid punched in a jumper and reverse layup. Just like that, the Sixers were up 11. Still, the Clippers made it known they were not going away. With 2 minutes left, it was down to a 3-point game. The score was 81-77 headed into the fourth, the Sixers still on top.
Less than a minute into the final stretch, Patrick Patterson hit a bucket from downtown to bring the Clippers within 1. Another three by Patterson gave his team their first lead of the game at the 7:14 mark. From there on, it was a back and forth game. It was tied twice, and both teams took turns holding the advantage. The Sixers were leading by 6 within the final minute, but it was back to a 1-point game with 20 seconds left. However, the Sixers were able to hold off and defeat the Clippers 106-103.
Embiid and George both had 30-point games. George led the way for the Clippers with 36 points. Behind him were his teammates Patterson with 18 and Marcus Morris Sr. with 15. Embiid led the way for the Sixers, dropping 36 points. Furkan Korkmaz contributed 18, and Ben Simmons finished with 12.
Though Patterson is not always sure when he is going to start, he takes pride in being the Clippers’ secret weapon.
“It’s stressful at times because sometimes I don’t get told I’m starting until 10 minutes before the game,” he said. “However, It’s my role, so I embrace it and stay ready.”
Speaking of staying ready, coach Rivers acknowledged that he was not too fond of his Sixers lackadaisical defense. Despite forcing the Clippers into 19 turnovers, they also gave up the same amount of three-pointers.
“We gave up 19 threes and they had 39 attempts which I didn’t like,” he said. “I thought we didn’t show great discipline leaving guys open or the corner open.”
Up Next:
The Clippers will fly home to host the Timberwolves on Sunday, April 18th at 10:00 pm.
The Sixers will host the Warriors on Monday, April 19th at 7:30 pm.
