Los Angeles Clippers: 3 takeaways from resilient Game 5 vs. Warriors

Facing likely elimination on the road, the Los Angeles Clippers stunned the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of their first round series. Here are three takeaways from the stunning victory.

Resilience and defied expectations have been the calling cards of the Los Angeles Clippers throughout the 2018-19 NBA season.

Entering the year, nobody expected them to be a playoff team. Following the Tobias Harris trade, no one thought they’d stay in the running for a postseason berth. Even when they made the cut as the 8-seed in a loaded Western Conference, most assumed they’d be swept in the first round by the defending champs.

Instead, the Clippers have used the 2019 NBA Playoffs to further their identity as the underdogs that just keep on surprising people. That was clear in their stunning Game 2 comeback from 31 points down, and they proved it was no fluke once again in their resilient Game 5 at Oracle Arena.

In a 129-121 victory on the road Wednesday night, L.A. staved off elimination in a hostile environment against the mighty Golden State Warriors to force a Game 6 back at Staples Center.

Lou Williams led the way with 33 points and 10 assists on 12-of-19 shooting, while Montrezl Harrell added 24 as part of the wrecking crew second unit. Danilo Gallinari finished with 26 points and seven boards, while Patrick Beverley chipped in 17 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

Thanks to the effective bench and balanced contributions this fanbase has come to expect from this plucky bunch, the Clippers were able to absorb Kevin Durant‘s 45-point detonation and force the issue against the defending champs back in Los Angeles on Friday.

Heading into another do-or-die Game 6 at home, do the Clippers have a legitimate shot at winning this series and pull off the greatest upset in NBA history? In an attempt to set appropriate expectations for a team that continues to surpass them, here’s a look at three takeaways from Game 5.