The Clippers Rout the Warriors
Thoughts and conversations about all the second games depended largely upon what happened in the first games. For example, the Warriors routed the Clippers in Game One. Would the Warriors easily win again? The Magic upset the Raptors in Game One. Would the supposed playoff curse live on for the Raptors?
Then you have the Spurs who upset the Nuggets in Game One. I’m sure many thought this might happen since the playoff-tested Spurs utilized their stars to shake the Nuggets off their kilter as Denver took home-court advantage in their playoff debut.
The Nets conquered the 76ers in Game One. Would the renowned hard-working Nets prevail again?
Historical Comeback
The second games were intriguing. Possibly more interesting than the first games! With only one quarter remaining the Clippers upset the Warriors coming back with a win from a 31-point deficit. Matching their franchise record for the greatest comeback in the playoffs ever, the Clippers showed astounding mental toughness. They bought into their coaching direction and patiently established the win over the champions.
I was at my sister’s house while I watched the first half of this game. I was dogsitting that evening and was responsible for making these two cousins didn’t get into a squabble. I recall thinking to myself, “This is a pretty slow game.” No wonder NBA media hosts mentioned they fell asleep during this game, thinking it was a no-brainer outcome.
Clutch King
While I started singing lullabies to the dogs during the third quarter, I noticed the game commentators saying they felt a comeback brewing. One of the commentators started noticing a look in Lou Williams’ eyes. This look said he was once again going to be clutch down the stretch. How I wished I was at the game, too! I wanted to witness what they were observing before their very eyes. The Clippers stayed twenty points behind the Warriors throughout the third and fourth quarters.
When an assisted play ended with the Clippers’ Gallinari dunking the ball, I saw Stephen Curry secure the ball and throw it against the basketball stand out of frustration. I could sense the confidence of the Warriors starting to crumble. It was a glimpse of all the signs you could not see but were there.
The run began. The Clippers stealthily broke down the Warriors’ shooting, defense, and switch-ups. Lou Williams was once again Clutch King. Scoring or assisting on 19 of the 25 Clippers points in the fourth quarter made them practically unstoppable. With only one minute left in the fourth quarter, the score was tied. It was fascinating to watch. I kept thinking to myself, “What does it take to be in a state of mind where you can break down another team? Not only was this happening individually, but collectively as a group.”
In the post-game interview, Doc Rivers, the coach of the Clippers, said that they were going to win this game. He told his players to stay together and be patient. He admitted to them that he wasn’t sure how they were going to win, but they’d eventually figure out how.
Synergy and the Power to Overcome
It is simply remarkable to me that a team and organization could be capable of creating this type of winning culture. In an arena filled with tens of thousands of people rooting against them and in a place that was not their home they prevailed. Opposition filled every square inch of the building, yet they conquered.
To believe in an outcome together and to find a way out together, against the opposition, is admirable. I am astonished at the many decisions and actions that enable a victory like this to occur. All these details will most likely never make it to the media, but they are essential for success.
The Clippers had a historical night on April 15, 2019, winning Game 2 with a score of 135-131 against a championship team building its legacy. The Clippers will never forget this night. Tonight they are the champs.
