The LA Clippers crashed into reality with Tuesday night’s 98–79 blowout defeat to the Warriors. It was not a fluke or a product of bad luck, but a reflection of everything both right and wrong with this team.
Golden State looked like a contender again: smart, cohesive, and energized by a blend of veteran precision and youthful legs. The Clippers, on the other hand, looked every bit their age. Their assist leader on the night was rookie center Yanic Konan Niederhäuser, who played four minutes in garbage time and somehow led the team with two assists. It was the fewest points the Clippers have scored in four years, which perfectly encapsulates their offensive stagnation.