Quick Reaction: Clippers 115, Raptors 96

Kawhi's winning streak against Toronto continues.

 

LA Clippers115Final
Box Score
96TOR Raptors

B-
K. Birch30 MIN, 13 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 5-7 FG, 0-0 3FG, 3-3 FT, 1 BLK, 1 TO, -17 +/-

Birch did exactly what was expected. Ever since becoming a Raptor, he’s been efficient and reliable.

C
C. Boucher37 MIN, 16 PTS, 7 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 5-15 FG, 2-9 3FG, 4-5 FT, 1 BLK, 0 TO, -10 +/-

Boucher disappointed based on the opportunity that he was given. It was a tough game against a solid defensive team so he gets a break.

C-
G. Trent30 MIN, 9 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 3-16 FG, 1-7 3FG, 2-3 FT, 1 BLK, 0 TO, -12 +/-

Trent Jr. also disappointed but he really needs to work on getting to the rim. If he starts next season, being a good shooter just won’t cut it. Would’ve liked to see him attack the rim more tonight.

B
M. Flynn29 MIN, 11 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 4-10 FG, 3-9 3FG, 0-0 FT, 1 BLK, 0 TO, -14 +/-

Solid two-way effort. He’s had better games but it looks like he’ll be the primary floor general for Toronto’s remaining games.

B
S. Johnson20 MIN, 9 PTS, 2 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 3-6 FG, 1-1 3FG, 2-2 FT, 0 BLK, 2 TO, -10 +/-

Stanimal did a decent job of putting the ball in the hoop tonight. His defense wasn’t bad either but he was guarding either Kawhi Leonard or Paul George so there wasn’t much of a grace period for him.

B
J. Harris25 MIN, 10 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 4-9 FG, 1-3 3FG, 1-2 FT, 0 BLK, 5 TO, -8 +/-

The jury is still out on Jalen Harris. After seeing his performance against the Grizzlies, it’ll be interesting to see how Nick Nurse utilizes Harris for the remaining games and for next season. Tonight was solid but he still needs to get more run.

A-
F. Gillespie25 MIN, 10 PTS, 7 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 4-6 FG, 0-0 3FG, 2-2 FT, 3 BLK, 1 TO, -13 +/-

If anyone on Toronto’s roster deserves an A, it’s Big Freddie. He played tough D and arguably had his best game as a Raptor. His ball security needs work.

C+
Y. Watanabe21 MIN, 8 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 3-9 FG, 0-3 3FG, 2-2 FT, 0 BLK, 0 TO, -6 +/-

Yuta had a solid all-around game. He needs to work on his shooting. He has the tools to become a really good 3-and-D player but he’s not there yet. Missing all his threes indicate his need for improvement there.

B-
D. Bembry18 MIN, 10 PTS, 1 REB, 2 AST, 3 STL, 4-8 FG, 2-5 3FG, 0-0 FT, 1 BLK, 4 TO, -5 +/-

Bembry did a decent job of being all over the court tonight. His hands were active, and he put the ball in the hoop efficiently.

B
Nick Nurse

Would have been cool to see Jalen Harris and Malachi Flynn get more minutes but Nurse was evaluating more than anything tonight. That’s going to be the case going forward so if his substitutions seem out of character, just remember that the offseason has pretty much already started.

Things We Saw

  1. Young Guys Getting More Run – I think the youth takeover is the smartest and safest decision at this point. It makes sense to rest the core guys based on how awry this season has been. Jalen Harris can do a lot of things on offense so seeing how Nurse works him into the rotation will be interesting. Flynn is a capable floor general who’s just learning the ropes and with what he’s showcased thus far, he deserves every minute to prove himself.
  2. Boucher and GTJ – These guys were tasked with carrying the scoring load and they didn’t do very well. Like I said before, it was the Clippers so the perimeter defense was going to lock them down regardless, which is why they get a pass. However, both of them had ugly games and this was nothing more than a way for Nick Nurse to understand who and what is working.
  3. Too Many Fouls – The Clippers connected on 100% (26-26) of their free throws. Does this need any more of an explanation?
  4. Rebounding – Clippers out-rebounded Toronto 49-35. Guys weren’t boxing out properly and it showed. This has been an issue for the Raptors all season so it’s a safe bet to be addressed in the offseason.