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

2. Defensive struggles

While the Clippers were able to mount a spirited comeback late in Game 2 in part due to their play on the defensive end, LA had no such luck in Game 3. The Dubs clearly came out motivated to avenge their most recent loss, and it led to one heck of a performance.

Golden State shot 54.8 percent from the field and converted on 15 of their 35 looks from beyond the arc, dishing out 35 assists as well. Part of this is of course due to their individual greatness as both a team and individuals, but blame has to be given out to LA if only just a little bit.

It was the Clippers who were supposed to come out with all the energy in front of their home crowd. They were the underdogs with nothing to lose and a fanbase behind them to provide energy.

https://twitter.com/warriors/status/1119074123550871552

Yet, it was the Warriors who seemed to get everything they wanted. Both Durant and Curry shot above 60.0 percent from the field. The Dubs are a team prone to turn the ball over, yet they only coughed it up 12 times over the course of Game 3. LA can’t compete if their two toughest matchups are scoring with that much efficiency with as many possessions as they had.

Slowing down this all-time offensive juggernaut is easier said than done. However, Los Angeles didn’t do its part applying the physicality necessary to make the Warriors as uncomfortable as it did in Game 2.