Game 9 Recap: Thunder storms past the Clippers

LA CLIPPERS 79 – OKL THUNDER 83

THUNDER     22     21     23     17          83

CLIPPERS      22      26     21     10          79

In control for most of the game, the Clippers let another one slip away. To another team that’s similar to them. A team coming off a bad season. A team hoping to get better and challenge for  a playoff spot. It was the young Thunder that was able to come from behind in the 4th quarter and have their young star hit the game winning shot. A team that was able to even their season record at .500.

Still without Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon, the Clippers started out well. They held most of the Thunder players to low shooting percentages. Superstar in the making, Kevin Durant, was the only player able to score at a high clip. After being tied and the end of the first, the Clippers took a slight lead at half-time up 48-43. It looked like they were in control of the game and would be able to come out in the 3rd and build on the lead.

But then the other Thunder players were able to contribute and help Durant. Jeff Green and Kevin Ollie started to score and the the Clippers ended the 3rd only up 69-66. The teams exchanged leads throughout the 4th… which isn’t saying much as both teams combined to score a whopping 27 pts in the period. With 38 seconds to go and the game tied at 79, Kevin Durant smoothly went to the left baseline and hit a silky shot for the lead. A poor inbound pass sealed the loss.

The Thunder were led by Durant’s 30 pts and 10 boards. Jeff Green and Kevin Ollie chipped in with 13 and 10 respectively.

Chris Kaman had another double-double with 20 pts and 11 boards. Baron Davis had 17 pts, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Al Thorton was the only other Clipper to score in double digits with 15 pts and 9 boards. They are 0-6 when Gordon is injured.

The Clippers do have a good team but it is clear they need everyone playing. When Gordon and Blake Griffin finally complete the starting lineup the Clips will be a deep team with Thorton, DeAndre Jordan, Telfair and Craig Smith coming off the bench.

On to game 10 against the Toronto Raptors with Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu this Friday at Staples Center.

Tags: Al Thorton, Baron Davis, Blake Griffin, Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon, Jeff Green, Kevin Durant, Kevin Ollie