The Los Angeles Clippers aim to continue their recent dominance of the Indiana Pacers on Monday night when they conclude an eight-game road trip in Indianapolis.
The Clippers have won five in a row against the Pacers, including a 139-133 victory in Los Angeles on Jan. 17.
Reggie Jackson scored 26 points in that game and joined rookie Brandon Boston Jr. in adding 19 points apiece in Los Angeles’ 115-90 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday afternoon.
Boston, 20, made 8 of 14 shots from the floor on Sunday. His point total eclipsed the sum of his previous three games, during which he made just 4 of 14 shots.
“NBA life is crazy,” Boston said. “All the traveling every day and playing back-to-back games. It will definitely wear down your body and your mental (perspective), just so have to be mentally strong there. Just force yourself to always have it night in and night out.”
The Clippers had it on Sunday, shooting a blistering 52.4 percent from the floor to improve to 4-3 on their lengthy trek. That record is rather impressive considering the numerous obstacles facing coach Tyronn Lue’s club.
“We have been cursed with a lot of injuries, cursed with COVID, but our guys keep fighting and competing and trying to play the right way,” Lue said. “Every night is not going to be great and we understand that, but the biggest thing is just staying together when times get hard.”
Marcus Morris Sr. chipped in 16 points on Sunday in his return from a three-game absence due to personal reasons. He had 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the floor in the previous contest against the Pacers.
Offseason acquisition Justise Winslow answered a 10-point, 10-rebound performance in Friday’s 121-114 setback to the Miami Heat with 13 and eight, respectively, on Sunday.
“We just have fun. We play together. We don’t care who scores,” Winslow said. “We just try to play with pace and get the ball moving.”
Nicolas Batum sat out Sunday’s game with lower back soreness. He erupted for 32 points — all in the second half — in the previous meeting with Indiana.
The Pacers are opening a three-game homestand on Monday after playing seven of their last eight on the road.
Indiana dropped its fourth decision in five outings on Saturday with a 132-105 setback to the Dallas Mavericks. The Pacers trailed from the get-go in Rick Carlisle’s return to Dallas.
Undrafted rookie Duane Washington Jr. scored a career-high 22 points thanks to a 9-for-17 performance from the floor, including 3-for-6 from 3-point range.
“The guys believe in me, coaches believe in me,” Washington said. “Just wanted to go out there, be aggressive, make my presence known, and just play my game.”
Domantas Sabonis added 21 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists for the Pacers, who are without stalwarts Myles Turner (foot) and Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles).
Sabonis, who recently returned from a week-long absence due to a sprained ankle, also recorded a double-double (19 points, 11 boards) in the previous encounter with the Clippers.
