The Sixers lost to the Los Angeles Clippers tonight in an overtime game where they lead by 19 points in the second quarter. Though they played well early in the game, after halftime the team wasn't able to keep up the quality of play. Though the Sixers had a lead for the entire game up until the final seconds, they couldn't hold on and only scored four points in the deciding overtime.
The Sixers came out strong in the first quarter. Though they allowed two points from a J.J. Redick jumper on the opening play, they immediately forced and capitalized on two turnovers. The whole team looked energized after their 103-98 win over Brooklyn on Saturday night. The defense was swarming, holding the Clippers to 22 points in the quarter and forcing 4 turnovers in the quarter to one of the best teams in the NBA at taking care of the ball.
The Sixers started the second quarter strong on two Hollis Thompson three pointers, and eventually went on a 15-2 run to eventually open up a lead of 19 points. The offense wasn't terribly efficient, but again the defense played a major part expanding the lead. Jahlil Okafor made his presence known in this quarter, posting 8 points and five rebounds to go along with two blocks for the half. Seemingly everywhere in the game, Okafor patroled the boards, delivered his almost expected astounding post moves, and also played good defense. Though sometimes criticized for defensive shortcomings, he certainly shows flashes of above average skill on that end.
The Sixers employed the Hack-a-Jordan strategy with three minutes left in the half, intentionally fouling Clippers center DeAndre Jordan. Jordan, who is the third worst free throw shooter in the league at 42.1% made one of four and the half ended with the Sixers leading by 10.
Coming out of the locker room the Sixers looked flat for the first time all game. It look them nearly three minutes to score their first basket, when Okafor made a hook shot over Jordan. Though playing slightly uninspired basketball, they managed to keep their distance and stay up by about 7 for the entire quarter. During this time, Smith, T.J. McConnell, and Isaiah Canaan picked up four, four, and five fouls respectively. Fortunately they managed to weather the storm and finish the quarter 73-65.
The fourth quarter was another struggle, with the Clippers making a hard push to get themselves back into the game. Like we've seen the Sixers do many time this season, the Clippers refused to give up and brought it back to within two midway through the quarter. Though there were many missed shots the defense held strong, and a few well timed three pointers from Jerami Grant and Thompson never hurt. The Clippers kept it close and eventually tied 88-88 on a three point shot by Redick, who the Sixers inexplicably lost around a screen. With 10 seconds left, Okafor bricked an 18 foot jumper to keep the score tied at 88 heading into overtime.
The Clippers opened the extra period in spectacular fashion with a lob dunk to Jordan to take their first lead since they led 2-0 in the opening seconds of the game. The Sixers surrendered three easy buckets and forced coach Brett Brown to call an early timeout to put in some defensive specialists. Ish Smith finally made an and-1 layup to score their first points of the OT with just over two minutes remaining to trail 96-91. Multiple empty possessions for both teams ensued, and the game ended unspectacularly with the score 98-92.
After missing Saturday's 103-98 win in Brooklyn on Saturday, Ish Smith played like his usual self and didn't seem hampered by his ankle injury with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jerami Grant had a double-double and led the team in scoring with 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, followed closely by Jahlil Okafor with 16. Jerami has clearly been learning post moves from his younger teammate, albeit with his own little flair.
Go ahead and eat, Jerami. (CSN) https://t.co/51tTRtX8xK
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) February 9, 2016
Nerlens Noel stuffed the stat sheet as usual with 8 points, 9 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and a block.
The Sixers take on the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday at 7pm for their final game before the All-Star break in Philly.
