Clippers blows a 22-point lead that falls to Pacers for third straight loss

The message was ready from Clippers -Trainer Tyronn Lue To his group: Play hard and compete.

After watching his players fight in the last three matches-Inclusive two loss-insisted hats that his players appeared at a higher level against the fast Indiana Pacers on Thursday night at the Intuit Dome.

LUE would not accept any excuses even if Mowers Played short -handed because of a trade made earlier in the day.

In what became a Topsy-Turvy game, Clippers opened a 22-point lead in the second quarter, fell afterwards by 13 in the third, then gathered late before he eventually lost 119-112.

Read more: Clippers trades with Mann and Bones Hyland to Hawks for Bogdan Bogdanovic and selects

Kawhi Leonard Played a season high 33 minutes and scored 11 of its 19 points in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to save clippers from their third loss in a row.

“I thought we had the right intention,” Lue said. “I thought we were playing hard. We played hard and competed with a team that plays fast and usually puts a lot of numbers, many points. And then you can take this one, but still learn from it and be better. “

Ivica Zubac had a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds and James Harden Had 22 points, nine assists and six rebounds.

But 19 turnover combined with their inability to stop the guard Tyrese Haliburton Doomed La Haliburton scored nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter. He had two steals in the fourth and was three for five from the field.

Pascal Siakam The rocks tackle to 33 points and 11 rebounds.

“We just have to take care of the ball,” said Leonard, who had five revenue. “The next guy got ready to be available, and just better passes, really.

“They are a quick pace team. They did a good job of causing revenue, picking up full court and getting us uncomfortable. So you have to give them credit. They came out and won the basketball match tonight. “

Before the game, Clippers (28-23) Handled Fan-Favorit TERANS MANN and Bones Hyland to Atlanta Hawks For Guard Bogdan Bogdanovic and three draft number in the second round. They also traded reserve guard Kevin Porter Jr. To Milwaukee Bucks for Marjon Beauchamp.

Clippers has been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA that ranks third in allowed points (107.5), second in defensive rating (108.2) and number two in stealing (10.2).

Even with all this, Clippers knew their defense would be pushed by Pacers.

They came to La ranked 10th in the scoring (107.5), fourth in field target percentage (49.1%) and ninth in three-point shooting (36.9%).

Read more: Lakers conducting Clippers, winning their first game after emotional Anthony Davis -handel

Clippers started strong and held Pacers at 22 points on 27.6% shooting in the first quarter while scoring 42 points.

Indiana Center Myles Turner took a forearm in the face and had to be helped back to the dressing room with 6:13 back in the first. He was later excluded for a concussion evaluation.

But Pacers (29-21) stood together and took a 64-61 lead at the break by outsourcing Clippers 42-19 in the second quarter.

“I didn’t mind the game of the evening,” Lue said. “You don’t want to win every game, but some things we can learn. Just taking care of the basketball ball. So we had the lead, a big lead, turn the ball over, turn the ball over, turn the ball over. They came back in the game. Take the lead in the fourth quarter after clapping back, playing good defense, good violation and then we got a turnover at Halfcourt and they get a can and we get back to the next spectacle and the same thing. “

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.