Without Paul George or Nicolas Batum tonight, the Clippers continue to win. The Californians won a third victory in a row by winning by two small points against a team of the Magic which made a good impression compared to its last outings (11th defeat in 12 matches…).
With a serious defense from the start, the visitors got the better of it by winning the first quarter (23-30), being well helped by the contributions of substitutes Terrence Ross, aggressive towards the circle, and Moritz Wagner, author of a bossy dunk to boot. The Clippers have kept in touch thanks to Luka Kennard’s address.
While the hero of the other night, Brandon Boston Jr, had a difficult start to the shoot, the locals were able to count on the good contributions of Justise Winslow or Isaiah Hartenstein to regain control in the second act. With an active Ivica Zubac on the offensive rebound, the Clippers regained the advantage to the score to turn in front of little at the break (49-44).
The start of the third quarter was marked by the rise of Franz Wagner, very clean in everything he did (60-65). In difficulty, the Clippers experienced a revival of 3-point address, with a better passage from Boston Jr. and the address of Terance Mann, to turn in front again after three quarters (78-75).
The tight fourth quarter which was announced took place because Orlando never let go despite the three possessions in advance taken by the Californians. The end of the meeting turned into a distant duel between Cole Anthony and Reggie Jackson, top scorers of their respective formation. The first signed a huge award-winning shot, ahead of Zubac, to equalize with 24 seconds remaining. But the second, who had just chained seven points in a row, signed the shot for the win, at mid-distance, two seconds from the end.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The long distance address of the Clippers. Between Luke Kennard and Terance Mann, or even Eric Bledsoe, the Clippers did not lack inspired shooters in this part. This long-distance address allowed the locals to breathe a little better in the third quarter when Orlando seemed to take control. They finished the game with an impeccable 18/36 from distance.
– The defensive seriousness of the Magic. 118 points conceded in Houston, 126 on the floor of the Warriors and even 142 in Sacramento… The defense of the Magic had remained in the locker room on the last outings of the Florida franchise. This was not the case last night with a serious defensive displayed, in the attitudes, against the Clippers certainly amputated by Paul George.
– Reggie Jackson’s Huge Money Time. A little angry with his shot lately, the leader was decisive in the last moments. He notably scored seven points in a row by approaching the circle (before sending a 3-point “airball” …). The point guard then made the right fixation to find his fit shooter, Luke Kennard, from afar. He especially signed the shot for the win two seconds from the end.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Luke Kennard. He quickly reached the ten-point mark in the first quarter. The rear, very fit since the beginning of December, has remained consistent with his shooting as much in the “catch-and-shoot” than with shots taken out of dribbling. He also posted a big, award-winning shot with one minute remaining.
✅ Justise Winslow. Without doubt his best match in his new jersey. Invested in defense, he was interesting on sequences in transition, by raising the ball. However, he sometimes lacked skill in the face of a defense that clearly invited him to shoot behind the arc or at mid-distance.
✅ Franz Wagner. While Cole Anthony sometimes fished at skill level, excluding 3-point shots, the rookie delivered a good performance with a minimum of waste. He was particularly shown in the third quarter.
⛔ Marcus Morris. An evening to forget for the veteran who only returned one of his 9 shooting attempts. The strong winger, however, showed in defense and rebounds.
THE FOLLOWING
Clippers (15-12) : Suns reception, Monday.
Magic (5-22) : end of “road trip” to the West on the same floor, facing the Lakers from next night.
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