Sections
Log in
Top News
U.S. News World News Featured Voices
Odd News
Entertainment
Movies Music TV
Sports
Soccer NFL NBA MLB NHL Golf Horse Racing Tennis Col. Football Col. Basketball
Photos
News Entertainment Sports Features Archives
More...
Defense Featured Science Health Archive Almanac
About Feedback
About Feedback
Search
Trending
National emergency
Netflix
SpaceX
Venezuela
Mark Consuelos
Jussie Smollett
Michael Cohen
Biggest bee
Dog church
TXT
JAXA
NBA
Dec. 15, 2018 / 11:25 AM

Clippers-Thunder: Two slumping teams try to get untracked

By
The Sports Xchange
Los Angeles Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell (5) drives to the basket while defended by Washington Wizards forward Jeff Green (32) and guard John Wall (2). Photo by Alex Edelman/UPI | License Photo

Oklahoma City was flying high just a few days ago, as the Thunder entered Wednesday's game at New Orleans with the best record in the Western Conference.

But the Thunder enter Friday's home game against the Los Angeles Clippers needing to get things turned around, especially on the offensive side.

All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook was just 5 of 15 from the field in Friday's 109-98 loss to Denver. Westbrook has made more than two 3-pointers in a game just once this season going into Saturday's game.

The Thunder have been most effective this season when attacking the basket. But they have had problems recently as Westbrook has struggled offensively even on the inside, and Oklahoma City's offense has grown stagnant at times.

RELATED James Harden hits 3 in LeBron James' face, dunks on JaVale McGee

"I think from an identity standpoint, the way we want to play -- we want to play downhill," Thunder head coach Billy Donovan said.

Westbrook has struggled offensive recently, shooting 42 of 110 (38.2 percent) from the floor in December.

The Thunder come into the game having lost two consecutive games for the first time since their 0-4 start to the season Oct. 16-25. Oklahoma City has lost three of its last four.

RELATED Bulls' Zach LaVine lashes out on angry dunk vs. Kings

Oklahoma City, which coming off Friday's loss to the Nuggets, is 2-1 this season on the second night of back-to-backs. The Thunder are near the start of a stretch in which they will play nine of 13 games on the road.

The Clippers have lost four of their last five after Thursday's 125-87 loss to the Sours. That was the first of nine consecutive games against Western Conference opponents.

This has been Los Angeles' roughest stretch of the season, and it hasn't lost three in a row this year.

RELATED Giannis Antetokounmpo caps smooth drive with nasty dunk

"It's a long season," Clippers guard Patrick Beverley said. "You play long enough the game teaches itself and it told us, as a unit, we can't ease into games. That's what we're trying to do lately and we can't do that. We're not that good, not right now. But we can be."

Clippers coach Doc Rivers expanded his rotation recently, playing all his players who dressed -- 12 total -- at least nine minutes in Thursday's blowout loss in San Antonio. Rivers is trying to keep his team fresh.

"I played a long time ago and I knew when I didn't have energy, but it usually didn't mean the next game I wouldn't have energy," Rivers said. "It means there were nights that I showed up (and) I tried to do everything I possibly could do to get ready and I came into the game and I just didn't have it, unfortunately.

"They're human and sometimes it happens. You know this is a long stretch, so you see it over and over again. What they're telling you is they're tired and you probably have to just try and play a bigger rotation, which sometimes you don't want to do, but sometimes you have to do it."

The teams have split their two meetings so far this season, with the Clippers winning 108-92 on Oct. 19 at home and the Thunder winning 128-110 on Oct. 30 at home.

  • Topics
  • Russell Westbrook
  • Doc Rivers
  • Billy Donovan
  • Patrick Beverley
  • Los Angeles Clippers
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more UPI news and photos.

Trending Stories

Flyers' Radko Gudas suspended for high-sticking Nikita Kucherov
Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim hits, kills man with car
Duke's Zion Williamson likely out 2-to-6 weeks after knee injury
Georges St-Pierre to announce retirement from UFC
Nike stock drops after Duke star Zion Williamson tears through shoe

Photo Gallery

 
Denny Hamlin wins NASCAR's Daytona 500

Latest News

Sons of 'El Chapo' indicted on drug conspiracy charges
Police seek suspects for Bangladesh fire
Famous birthdays for Feb. 22: Kyle MacLachlan, Julie Walters
On This Day: Lee Petty wins first Daytona 500
UPI Almanac for Friday, Feb. 22, 2019
 
Back to Article
/
Back to top
About UPI Contact Feedback Advertisements Submit News Tips
Copyright © 2019 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Terms of UsePrivacy Policy