Clippers Postgame: LA beats Toronto, 98-88
The Clippers had to fight back from a 5-point deficit to start the fourth quarter to earn perhaps their most entertaining win of the season against a Toronto Raptors team that refused to quit. LA won 98-88 at Staples Center, led by 21 points from Lou Williams.
Despite missing Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, as well as OG Anunoby for most of the game, the Raptors challenged the Clippers for nearly the full 48 minutes, almost escaping Los Angeles with two wins on a back-to-back.
Kawhi Leonard had 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, but shot 2-of-11 from the field and committed 9 turnovers, almost resulting in an ignominious quadruple-double. He entered the game averaging more than 12 points in fourth quarters alone before his former team put the clamps on him.
The Clippers won the game on the defensive end, as Doc Rivers has repeatedly said to the start the season while the offense rounds into form. They held the Raptors to 10 points in the pivotal fourth quarter and were incredibly effective at protecting the rim; Toronto shot 3-of-8 at the basket and 0-of-8 from 4 to 14 feet during the final period.
Tune in to the postgame show to hear what Joe Morgan and I thought were three keys to the Clippers' win.