NBA 2020-21 Season: Los Angeles Clippers regain their pride after beating Los Angeles Lakers 116-109

Just seems like yesterday that yellow army won their 17^th championship. But the Los Angeles Lakers were back to play against the arch city rivals Los Angeles Clippers to kick start their season. With Lebron James and Anthony Davis returning to the squad, the Lakers clearly seemed as the better-looking side on paper. 

The LA Lakers have already beaten the Clippers twice in the pre-season. Having capped off the pre-season with an impressive 4-0, there is no thinking twice in saying that the Lakers are one of the favourites to lift the trophy. But with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George leading the Clippers, all they required was one moment of magic to get back into form. 

Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers – As it Happened 

1^st quarter– 

With Lebron and AD on the floor for the Lakers. They were slow to pick up their pace. With Kawhi Leonard leading the charge for the Clippers, they seemed to be shooting from all around the Lakers box. Having played so well, Clippers deservingly led in the first quarter 39-19. 

2^nd quarter- 

With LeBron James in the team, one simple cannot be out ruled of the game. Lakers met the same fate! Having led from the front, Montrezl Harrell and Caldwell-Pope also scored for the Lakers in their quarter of resurgence. Going into the half, the Lakers needed this moment as they outscored Clippers by more than double points. After the end of the 2^nd quarter, Lakers trailed 56-54. 

3^rd quarter- 

The game had picked up a great pace with both teams looking to capitalise and pounce on every single opportunity they get. Nothing better to see two marquee players Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James leading their respective sides. For the Clippers, it seemed like Serge Ibaka was playing a vital role even when PG 13 found it difficult to score. But it was LeBron and AD who kept on combining better every passing minute into the game. Even Dennis Schroder played his part when LeBron was called off the court, making sure the Lakers are right on the shoulders of the Clippers. With everything to play for going into the last quarter of this high-stacked game, Lakers were losing their way towards the end of the quarter. As a result, the Clippers led 89-78. 

4^th quarter- 

With the game so evenly poised, a much-improved Clippers were already on display after the pre-season. With Paul George also getting into his groove, it was all up to the big guns to take it home. While Lebron seemed to be setting the pace for the Lakers in the last quarter, they were unable to convert from free throws and were committing unnecessary fouls. For the Clippers it was all Paul George, who single handily took the initiative to score the points for the franchise, getting support from Ivica Zubac. With several turnovers, Lakers kept handing the game ot their opponents. Although there was a fight shown by Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma, but the Clippers successfully made it past the Lakers in some style. The Clippers finally won against the Lakers after being on a streak of losing games.

Also Read: NBA 2020-21 Season: Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in Red Hot-Form…