The LA Clippers have punched their NBA Playoff ticket, guaranteeing their post-season presence after a hard-fought 130-118 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
Star player Paul George exploded for 41 points, sinking an impressive 8 out of 12 three-point attempts. Meanwhile, Ivica Zubac contributed a solid double-double, racking up 24 points and 12 rebounds.
“We are still a work in progress,” George acknowledged despite the win. “We should have won more decisively. There’s room for improvement.”
With just eight games remaining in the regular season, the Clippers have established a two-game lead over the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. They are four games ahead of the Phoenix Suns, who currently occupy the seventh spot.
Top-Ten Finish Secured
The Clippers have guaranteed themselves a top-ten finish in the Western Conference, earning at least a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. This is a significant achievement considering their recent rocky patch where they went 4-6 in their last 10 games.
Zubac’s Dominance on the Boards
Zubac’s exceptional rebounding performance played a crucial role in L.A.’s victory. He outmuscled the Hornets’ big men, leading the Clippers to a dominant 41-31 advantage on the boards.
Harden’s Scare and Playoff Hopes
There was a moment of concern during pre-game warmups when James Harden appeared to have injured his finger. However, the LA native brushed off the issue and was able to play.
The Clippers’ playoff hopes received a further boost when the Houston Rockets lost to the Indiana Pacers, solidifying L.A.’s top-10 finish.
Closest Rivals in Sight
The Clippers have a significant advantage over their closest rivals in the Western Conference. They hold a four-game lead over the seventh-place Phoenix Suns, giving them a comfortable cushion as the playoffs approach.
Upcoming Challenges
With only eight games left before the postseason, the Clippers are focused on fine-tuning their game. They will face the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday in a Pacific Division matchup before concluding their regular season with a home game against the Utah Jazz on April 9.
The Clippers are determined to carry the momentum from their extended road winning streak into the playoffs. George’s impressive performance against the Hornets is a testament to his leadership and the team’s unwavering commitment to success. As the postseason nears, the City of Angels will undoubtedly be anxiously watching their Clippers soar towards their ultimate goal.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
