Bucks Look to Maintain Momentum Against Clippers’ Home Dominance
Once trusted to lead the Los Angeles Clippers into the future, Doc Rivers returns to Southern California on Saturday night with his Milwaukee Bucks riding a five-game winning streak. Facing off against his former team, Rivers will attempt to outcoach Tyronn Lue as the Bucks challenge the Clippers’ impressive home record.
Milwaukee Bucks: Riding the Hot Streak
The Bucks (33-14) have been nearly unstoppable lately, winning eight of their past nine games. Their latest victory came against the Miami Heat on Thursday, a dominant 125-96 win that showcased their offensive depth.
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- Damian Lillard led the way with 29 points and 11 assists, just one rebound short of his fourth career triple-double.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo added 25 points and 12 rebounds, extending his double-double streak to 12 games.
- The Bucks had to overcome travel struggles, arriving from New Orleans just three hours before tipoff due to weather delays.
Despite the quick turnaround, Milwaukee displayed a championship mentality.
“It’s a professional win,” Rivers said. “Giannis and Dame told the guys: ‘No excuses. We’re here to win the game.’ That’s the mindset we need.”
Clippers: Dominant at Home, but Inconsistent Play
The Clippers (30-16) have established themselves as a force in their new arena, holding a 16-4 record in Inglewood after a slow start.
On Thursday, the Clippers bounced back from a tough overtime loss to the Boston Celtics with a 110-93 win over the Washington Wizards.
- James Harden posted a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists, moving past Wilt Chamberlain for eighth place on the NBA’s all-time triple-double list.
- Kawhi Leonard, playing just his sixth game of the season, contributed 15 points and seven rebounds in limited minutes.
- Norman Powell led the scoring off the bench with 22 points, while Ivica Zubac added 11 points and nine rebounds.
Although the Clippers won, Lue wasn’t pleased with the team’s overall execution.
“Not a good game for us, just a win,” Lue admitted. “We didn’t play particularly well. We didn’t execute. We have to start stacking wins and playing the right way.”
Key Storylines: Rivers vs. Lue and the Bucks’ Defense
This matchup brings added intrigue with Doc Rivers returning to face his former team. Rivers coached the Clippers from 2013 to 2020, leading them to six playoff appearances before being replaced by Tyronn Lue.
Under Lue’s leadership, the Clippers made the Western Conference Finals in 2021, but injuries have derailed their championship aspirations since.
Additionally, Milwaukee’s defense will be tested against LA’s elite scorers. The Bucks allow just 110.1 points per game (7th in the NBA), while the Clippers rank 4th in offensive rating.
Can the Bucks Stay Hot Against a Strong Clippers Squad?
This marquee matchup features two title contenders looking to solidify their positioning in their respective conferences. The Bucks are on fire, while the Clippers have been nearly unbeatable at home.
Will Giannis and Lillard extend Milwaukee’s streak, or will Leonard and Harden defend home court?