“A blowout win” would be a perfect description for what the Los Angeles Clippers pulled up on Tuesday. In a classic East vs. West showdown at the Intuit Dome, Kawhi Leonard & Co. steamrolled the Cleveland Cavaliers 132-119. The Cavs started strong, even holding a lead early on, but the Clippers flipped the script in the second quarter and never looked back.
On the other hand, 58-year-old Brian Shaw led the show in Ty Lue’s absence. The head coach missed the fourth game this season due to a back issue. Meanwhile, Norman Powell, fresh off his Sunday return, had his sights set on a big night. Did he get it? Not quite. And that’s why the Clippers’ interim coach had to step in—with a public apology.
In the final minutes of the game, Powell hoped to play his role as the forward on the team. But sadly that barely happened. Shaw appeared before the media after the game and stated: “Norm was kind of the one that got the short end of the stick. But the group we had had good chemistry, they were playing together.” The Clippers’ interim coach admits Powell got the short end. The coach didn’t give him the chances he wanted. Moreover, the lineup had great chemistry. They were playing well together. So, changing it was tough.
Oct 26, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
“I just told Norm, ‘Apologies for not getting you back in the game, but next game, it’s going to be a different person. It’ll be your night, and it won’t be one of the other guys’ nights,’” Brian Shaw admitted “When you have depth and versatility, that’s a good problem.” In a game that saw Kawhi Leonard‘s 33-point, Ivica Zubac’s 28-point, and James Harden’s 22-point wonders, Norman Powell was left aside in his moment to prove himself.
With their depth and winning streak, the 8th-seed Clippers are delivering what fans hoped for. Besides, Bogdan Bogdanovic’s presence on the team is putting off some burden from James and Leonard’s shoulders.
It’s safe to say that LA’s second team is playing with unprecedented comfort on the court. The results are before your eyes. Ivica Zubac has taken up the big duties in Kawhi and PG’s absence, Norman Powell, although finding his way through is a proven talent. And Bogey? Oh boy! He’s fitting in…perfectly in his new garb.
Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are finding support on the court all thanks to Bogdanovic
Since his debut in the NBA in 2017, the Serbian shooting Bogdan Bogdanovic has left his mark in the league. Well, he might not be the most enticing player according to the stats. But throw him in a crucial mix, and he’ll show what he can do. After his 5-year stint with the Atlanta Hawks, Bogey found his new home with the Clippers during the February trade deadline. And now, it looks like he’s finding his rhythm in Ty Lue’s battalion helping the Klaw and the Beard on the court.
Bogdanovic had a 20-point game night vs. the Cavs on Tuesday. It was a big night for him and Brian Shaw just couldn’t ignore the 32YO’s importance on the team. Speaking to the media Shaw said: “When everything is working, it’s a beautiful thing to see. He has the ultimate confidence in himself, and you can see that on the floor—the way he struts around. He spaces the floor for us. They have to guard him past the three-point line. Once they do that, it just opens up even more for James, Kawhi, and even Zu.”
Jan 17, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) grabs the rebound in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a game-changer for the Clippers. His presence adds spacing, and ball-handling, and takes the pressure off Jarden. “Bogey coming to our team really gave us a shot in the arm,” Brian Shaw said. With defenses locked on Kawhi Leonard and Zubac, Bogey becomes the wildcard—just like Norm when he’s in. “He’s our attack guy, getting downhill, and playing with pace.” Meanwhile, Nicolas Batum does the dirty work, setting screens and finding gaps. The result? Opponents struggle to scout them. “What do you really want to take away?” Shaw asked. Either way, the Clippers have options, and that’s a problem for the rest of the league.
The Clippers are rolling, and it’s a nightmare for opponents. Depth, chemistry, and Bogey’s spark have turned them into a well-oiled machine. Kawhi and Harden have the backup they need, Zubac is stepping up, and Powell is just waiting for his moment. As Brian Shaw put it, “When everything is working, it’s a beautiful thing to see.” Right now, everything is working—and the league better take notice.
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