Los Angeles Clippers: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Warriors

The Los Angeles Clippers made a comeback for the ages to win Game 2 of their first round series. Here are a few takeaways from that epic victory.

Never go to sleep during the NBA playoffs. Who knows what you could miss? If you called it a night early on Monday, you missed the Los Angeles Clippers completing the biggest comeback in NBA playoff history. The Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors 135-131 in Game 2 of their first round series, which is now tied 1-1.

For most of the game, it seemed that the Warriors would cruise to victory and a 2-0 series lead. An “and-1” free throw by Kevin Durant gave Golden State a 94-63 advantage with 7:31 remaining in the third quarter. That 31-point lead was their largest of the game. However, the Clippers were undeterred and began chipping away at the deficit.

L.A. outscored the Warriors 31-16 over the remainder of the third frame, totaling 44 points for a franchise playoff record for a quarter. They followed it up with a 41-23 fourth quarter. A 3-pointer by Landry Shamet served as the go-ahead bucket, making it 133-131 with 16.5 seconds left in the game.

Lou Williams led the way for the Clippers, scoring 36 points on 13-of-22 shooting and dishing out 11 assists. Montrezl Harrell put in 25 points on 9-of-9 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds. Danilo Gallinari led the starters with 24 points and six assists.

Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 29 points, six assists and three steals. He also went 5-of-11 from 3-point range. Durant added 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. However, he also committed nine turnovers and fouled out.

The Clippers avoid the sweep as the series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday. Here are some takeaways from one of the most memorable comebacks in NBA history.