Despite being short-handed, the Los Angeles Clippers picked up a pair of solid victories heading into their Wednesday night game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. Those outcomes included particularly impressive performances from two different players.
On Sunday, Ivica Zubac had a Wilt Chamberlain-like outing in a 114-100 win over the Indiana Pacers, scoring a season-high 31 points while hauling in a career-high 29 rebounds. He needed one more rebound to produce the third 30-point, 30-rebound game in the NBA in 40 years.
It was Norman Powell’s turn Tuesday night in Portland.
Facing his former team, Powell scored 22 of his season-best 32 points in the fourth quarter of the Clippers’ 118-112 victory over the Trail Blazers. Powell made 7 of 9 field-goal attempts in the final 12 minutes to help Los Angeles overcome the absence of injured Paul George (hamstring), Kawhi Leonard (ankle), Luke Kennard (calf) and John Wall (knee).
Powell’s monster showing was instrumental in allowing the Clippers to overturn Portland’s 18-point, third-quarter lead.
The Clippers have won five of seven games despite the injuries to key players. Powell believes they can keep it going in Utah despite the quick turnaround.
The Jazz haven’t fared as well without one of their biggest contributors. Utah has lost five in a row without point guard Mike Conley, who has been sidelined due to a left-knee injury and won’t play again Wednesday.
Utah had a challenging schedule leading up its current six-game homestead, which began with a 114-107 setback to the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
Hardy is hopeful that Jazz players will benefit from being at home after playing 10 of their past 15 games on the road.
Hardy emphasized that his team needs to play physically and energetically for a full 48 minutes, which didn’t happen against Chicago, leading to Lauri Markkanen’s 32-point, nine-rebound performance being spoiled.
