LOS ANGELES — The All-Star break seemingly disrupted whatever rhythm the Clippers had created in the first four-plus months evidenced by their uneven play in their first two games back. They were dismantled by the Oklahoma City Thunder and needed a strong fourth-quarter effort to beat the Memphis Grizzlies.
Their third game was just as bumpy.
The Clippers couldn’t overcome the Sacramento Kings or their own disjointed play Sunday and lost, 123-107, at Crypto.com Arena.
The loss left the Clippers (37-19) two-and-a-half games behind Western Conference co-leaders the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Thunder, who both are 40-17.
“After a break, you lose your flow, what you’ve been doing leading up to that point,” Lue said. “So, coming off the break with a back-to-back, was tough, but like I said, we got through it and now we’ve got to lock in for these home games.
“Now we’re home and get back to doing what we do on both sides of the basketball. We just got to lock in for these guys 27 games.”
Being back in Crypto.com Arena did little to smooth out the rough spots. They turned over the ball 16 times, connected on just 8 of 26 shots from the 3-point range, were outrebounded and gave up double digits to five Kings players, led by De’Aaron Fox’s 33 points and Domantas Sabonis’ triple-double. Sabonis finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists.
Harrison Barnes scored 22 points, Kevin Hueter added 15 points and Malik Monk had 12.
The Clippers were led by Norman Powell’s 21 points and Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, who each scored 20 points. Harden also had eight assists and five rebounds.
The Clippers dominated the Kings in their first two meetings this season, but Sacramento found a way to turn it around Sunday. Kings coach Mike Brown expected another tough game from the Clippers and for a stretch in the second half, the Clippers made it a contest.
“I just want to see our effort at a high level while we’re executing things…
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