Clippers edge out Raptors 108-100

Los Angeles Clipper emerged victorious in a closely-fought match against Toronto Raptors 108-100 on Wednesday night.

CLIPPERS WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/tXFmWAJUSm

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 9, 2023

Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points, while Paul George came close second with 23.

While those two were the star players, the integral part of the success came from the stubborn Los Angeles defense. The team managed to held Toronto to 37 out of 96 shooting, which is the first time since 27 November that Clippers manage to keep the opposing team below 40%.

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“I thought we did a good job of talking and getting back in transition. We need to come out with a defensive mindset. That is what needs to improve for us to keep moving forward,” said Leonard in a post-match Interview.

Ivica Zubac was the 3rd highest scoring player from Clippers with 17 points. The whole team was 39 out of 71 from the field, a third succesive game, where they cross 50%.

Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes both scored 20 points for Toronto, with O.G. Anunoby scoring 18.

The Raptors went on to a late surge, which saw them close the gap to 104-100 after being down 100-85 with 5:17 remaining. Their efforts, however, were in vail, after Zubac’s dunk extended it back to 6 points margin.

“I thought early in the game we were playing too fast and giving up the ball too early. After the first quarter we slowed down, tried to attack the paint and made passes with precision,” Leonard said after the game.

Raptors face the other team from Los Angeles – Lakers – on Friday naight, while Clippers hos New York on Saturday.