Late game collapse spoils Warriors’ upset bid vs. Clippers, 109-100

The combination of Kawhi Leonard and Lou Williams ruined the Warriors chance or a major upset in Los Angeles with fourth quarter comeback for the Clippers.

Outside of their tight loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Warriors haven’t played up to their opponents since the 2020 new year began. Things weren’t getting any easier for them with a game against Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers looming on the schedule.

However, the Warriors battled the Clippers for 36 minutes, even leading by 10 heading into the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for the Warriors, Leonard and Lou Williams decided to show up in the final period.

Leonard gave the Warriors a replay of their 2019 NBA Final loss with his performance late in the game. The 2019 Finals Most Valuable Player had multiple defensive wizard-like plays, paired with a mix of powerful dunks down the lane.

The game was close with 2:30 left in the fourth quarter, yet a pair of possessions hurt the Warriors’ chances of an upset in Los Angeles. The Clippers defense forced Omari Spellman to launch a desperation three-pointer, on the other end of the court, Williams nailed a deep three to give Los Angeles a five-point lead down the stretch.

Without D’Angelo Russell, the Warriors couldn’t answer the play of Leonard and Williams in the final quarter, losing the game 109-100. In the fourth quarter alone, the Clippers outscored the Warriors 36-17.

Leonard finished the night with 36 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, extending the Warriors losings streak to seven games.

Spellman’s first start

Second-year big man, Spellman has been one of the best members of the Golden State Warriors since the new year began. Without Kevon Looney, and Marquese Chriss getting waived, the Villanova product has received a more significant role in Steve Kerr’s rotation.

Tonight he took his most critical step as a Golden State Warrior, starting his first game and he did not disappoint, Spellman scored 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field, including 4-of-8 beyond the arc.

With his impressive first start, Spellman has now registered five-straight games with double-digit scoring numbers.

Cold in downtown L.A.

After hitting 13 three-pointers against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Golden State Warriors struggled from three against the Los Angeles Clippers. Even with both Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry on the bench, the rest of the Warriors roster couldn’t channel their inner “splash brother.”

The Warriors shot a miserable 8-of-39 from long distance, with Spellman hitting four of the eight. Without Russell, and playing against one of the best rosters in the NBA, Golden State didn’t do itself any favors going cold from beyond the arc.