The Los Angeles Lakers took on the division rival Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night and the outcome was as to be expected. Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant were unable to get on the floor in this battle for Los Angeles, but the game had to be played regardless.
Despite the injuries for both teams, the Lakers and Clippers played the second game of their season series at Staples Center with Blake Griffin leading the way. Griffin shouldered the load for the absent Paul as the Clippers cruised to victory.
First Quarter
Newcomer Kendall Marshall got the Lakers off to a fast start with a three to start the game, but it was all down hill from there. Griffin opened the flood gates in the first quarter scoring 18 points, recording two steals, blocking one shot and ripping down three boards.
Needless to say, the Lakers were completely outmatched by a hungry and motivated Clippers team looking to prove that the season opener was a fluke. J.J. Redick added 10 points as the Clippers got out to a 18-point lead.
Second Quarter
The second quarter turned out to be a lot like the first. The Lakers struggled to get the ball past halfcourt and as a result couldn’t fight back against a superior Clippers squad that had no mercy.
Marshall attempted to keep the Lakers within striking distance hitting his second three of the game, but the Clippers were relentless. The former D-Leaguer held his own with 12 points while Wesley Johnson led the way in the scoring department for the Lakers with 14.
Despite the Lakers showing a bit more fight in the second quarter, the Clippers took an 18-point lead into halftime, 70-52.
Third Quarter
Only a few minutes in the third quarter, the Clippers ran the score up to 25 and to make matters worse Marshall rolled his ankle. Marshall continued to play after the apparent ankle sprain, but it didn’t make much of a difference with Doc Rivers’ squad kicking it into high gear.
The Clippers extended the lead to 41 points before heading into the fourth quarter. The other team in Los Angeles held the Lakers to season-low eight points in the third.
Needless to say, the rout was on as the third quarter came to a close with the Clippers up, 101-60.
Fourth Quarter
Starting the fourth quarter down 41 points, the writing was on the wall at the Staples Center. The Clippers had officially avenged the loss to start the season and were ready to rest their starters with Griffin and DeAndre Jordan heading to the bench.
Griffin finished with 33 points and 12 rebounds in a dominant performance against the Lakers. All five starters for the Lakers scored in double figures with Marshall leading the way with 16 points and 10 assists, but it was nowhere near enough to even make this game competitive against their division rivals.
Ultimately, the game mercifully came to an end with the Clippers beating the Lakers, 123-87.
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