Clippers point guard Russell Westbrook said the team’s winning streak is rooted in pride, a revived sense of never quitting that has been evident over the past week.
“Taking pride, not giving up easily,” Westbrook said. “Making second efforts and you see that down the line and it shows.”
The change began March 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies, when the Clippers could do little to stop the Grizzlies from making 3-pointer after 3-pointer in a 51-point third quarter. Then that pride took over.
The Clippers clamped down on a short-handed Memphis team in the fourth quarter to secure their first victory in nine days. That defensive discipline continued the following two games: beating Toronto despite having 11 fewer possessions and rebounds, but more turnovers, and then stepping up in the fourth quarter to log a 106-95 victory against the New York Knicks on Saturday.
It’s the kind of defense Coach Tyronn Lue said “should be the blueprint” for the team.
“It feels good to be on a winning streak and play well,” Lue said. “I knew we made some changes (near last month’s trade deadline) and it was going to take time. We have played well in some of those earlier games and did not get the win.”
Paul George said that pride with a dash of urgency has played a factor in the turnaround after losing five straight. The Clippers, who have 13 regular-season games left to play, return to the court Wednesday against Golden State.
“We took ownership of where this ship is going,” George said. “Everybody’s dialed in to do their job.
“We’re sailing a lot smoother now. We’re kind of going downhill now so we are going to keep riding this thing and just keep tacking on and learning as we go.”
Kawhi Leonard was pragmatic about the Clippers’ three consecutive victories, saying they simply have cut down on mistakes and upped their defense. He didn’t get caught up in the pride thing.
“I feel like it’s been like that when we were losing,”…
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