Long Night for Clips

After having won their first game of the season convincingly over the Portland Trail Blazers; many would have thought the Los Angeles Clippers' season was about to take flight. And probably would have expected a comfortable win over one of the less-fancied teams in the league: the Cleveland Cavaliers; especially on their home Staples Center floor.

Well; nobody told the Cavaliers; who produced a soaring display to upset the home Clippers 92-79 and deal yet another setback to the title contenders in this nascent season. The Cavaliers played an unusually long team; with three 7-footers in their starting line-up in center Jarrett Allen; and forwards Lauri Markkanen & the impressive Evan Mobley.

And unfortunately the Clippers played right into their strengths; driving deep instead of dishing out for the open threes; as such they were constantly challenged and denied at the rim; getting tough shots in the process. The Cavs are a young team as well; and they were bolstered by a standout performance from their point guard Collin Sexton; who put up 26 points including a bewitching left-hand dunk in transition that took the breath away.

While the Clips were buoyed by their L-I-T bench in the previous win; they were unable to catch fire this time round; with Luke Kennard; Isaiah Hartenstein & Terance Mann combining for only 15 points. They were unable to rouse themselves and it looks like the long-term injuries to Kawhi Leonard & Serge Ibaka may have finally caught up with them.