The Boston Celtics decisively halted the Los Angeles Clippers’ six-game winning streak with a commanding 146-115 victory on December 30, 2023. The match, held at the packed Intuit Dome, showcased the Celtics’ offensive prowess, leaving the Clippers to reassess their momentum after a brief but successful run.
The defeat marked a significant shift for the Clippers, who had surged through their previous games. Although they managed to cut the Celtics’ lead to single digits multiple times, the visitors responded each time with critical baskets or forced turnovers. The Celtics demonstrated impressive shooting, finishing with 55.2% (53 of 96) from the field and nailing 24 of 51 (47.1%) three-point attempts, much to the delight of their traveling fan base.
Leading Boston’s offensive onslaught were Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, who together contributed a staggering 79 points. Brown, a former NBA Finals MVP and four-time All-Star, topped the scoring chart with 50 points, alongside three rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, White added 29 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, effectively executing the Celtics’ strategy of aggressive shooting and ball control.
In a particularly explosive third quarter, Brown scored 19 points on a flawless 7-of-7 shooting performance, including three three-pointers, marking his first 50-point game of the season. The Clippers struggled to contain this offensive barrage, especially as they allowed 42 points in the first quarter, their highest total conceded in a single quarter since the season opener against the Utah Jazz.
The night was further complicated for the Clippers when forward Derrick Jones Jr. limped off the court with 9:25 remaining in the game following a collision that aggravated a previous injury. This incident added to the disappointment of the Clippers, who were hoping to build on their recent success.
The return of center Ivica Zubac, who had missed two weeks due to an ankle injury, provided some positive news for the Clippers. Zubac, who had been expected to miss three weeks due to a Grade 2 sprain from December 20, made a quicker recovery than anticipated, only missing five games during the Clippers’ winning streak. He contributed four points and seven rebounds off the bench, with head coach Tyronn Lue noting, “He’s our starter, but we got a good flow going.” Zubac’s willingness to come off the bench illustrated his commitment to the team’s chemistry and success.
Despite the excitement surrounding Zubac’s return, the Clippers required heightened performances from their key players to challenge the Celtics effectively. Kawhi Leonard finished the game with 22 points on 6-of-17 shooting, while James Harden struggled to find his rhythm, ending with 18 points and 12 assists. John Collins added 22 points, but the Clippers’ overall shooting from three-point range was disappointing, as they managed only 15 of 38 attempts.
The defeat highlighted the challenges the Clippers faced against a well-rounded Celtics team. Coach Lue acknowledged the difficulty of adapting to the Celtics’ defensive strategies, stating, “They change their coverages up a lot… and they have great defenders.”
As the Clippers regroup after this defeat, the focus will be on maintaining the positive aspects of their recent performances while addressing the lapses that led to this loss. The Celtics, now riding the momentum from this victory, will look to build on their success as they continue their season.
