For the first time with a full lineup, the LA Clippers beat the Charlotte Hornets
Paul George led with 22 points, followed by Nicolas Batum with 21 points (7-10 3PT) to take the LA Clippers to a 126-105 victory over the Charlotte Hornets this afternoon. However, individual performances are not something to be happy about for Clippers fans.
Instead, they were excited when the Crypto.com Arena home team had a full lineup for the first time in nearly 2 months. Ivica Zubac, Reggie Jackson, Paul George and Norman Powell returned to the starting lineup alongside Kawhi Leonard.
Although the season has been going on for 8 weeks, it was not until yesterday that the LA Clippers had their first practice session with all the members on the registered list. As a result, they played explosively against the Charlotte Hornets, reaching 50.6% FG while holding the opponent down to only 40.2%.
“When I knew it was the first training session where 100% of the team members were present, I breathed a sigh of relief. Injuries have made the LA Clippers never so full," Paul George shared.
“I am very happy that everyone is healthy, training effectively and ready to go on the field. This is something we've been talking about in the dressing room and dreaming of for the past few weeks."
The joy of the Clippers players may have made them too excited and made up to 27 missed errors, an unusually high number. But in return, coach Tyronn Lue's students threw in 23 3-pointers, setting a team record at the Regular Season.
"Obviously we still have a lot to learn, but I'm delighted that all the Clippers players are healthy and able to play," said captain Ty Lue.
“This is a boost for the team and rekindles the faith of the fans. What we need to do now is use this stepping stone to regain the image of a team competing for the championship."
"There are still a few things I need to note about the minutes played by players who have just recovered from injury, but that is something I will take care of later. I am happy to see the players healthy after so many weeks of injury like just now," the Clippers head coach added.
The uniformity of the LA Clippers thwarted the individual effort that LaMelo Ball made. The young Hornets hit their first triple-double of the season with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists.
Obviously, that wasn't enough when Charlotte was led by the Clippers by 20 points in the first half before being led at the furthest point to 36 points in the second half.
