LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Clippers lost a close match up to the Oklahoma City Thunder 85-83, on Wednesday, November 2.
Former UCLA standout Russell Westbrook proved to be too much for Los Angeles, leading all scorers with 35 points including a game clinching jump shot with just 18.7 seconds remaining.
Thunder Head Coach Billy Donovan was complimentary of his superstar after the game, citing the contagiousness of Westbrook’s competitive drive.
“He’s been great,” said Donovan. “Just being around him and seeing his commitment to his teammates, his leadership and his competitive fire rubbing off on his teammates, it’s been great to watch. What he’s doing statistically is amazing, but as a coach, I’ve been impressed with his leadership.”
Los Angeles failed to shoot the ball with much consistency throughout, making just 34 of 87 field goal attempts in what would be their first loss of the season.
Blake Griffin added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the Clippers, while addressing the team’s poor offensive performance after the loss.
“[Doc Rivers] said if offense is the thing that we’re worried about then we’re in good shape,” Griffin said. “Every year I think for the past four or five years, we’ve probably been in the top three in offensive efficiency. So, it’s not something that’s impossible to correct. I think it’ll come. But it needs to come sooner rather than later.”
Chris Paul finished the game with a double-double of 15 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Offseason acquisition Marreese Speights added 14 points off of the bench for Los Angeles.
The Clippers are now 3-1 to start the season, and will face the Memphis Grizzlies in their next game on Friday, November 4.
