The LA Clippers managed to spoil the Los Angeles Lakers’ celebration party on Wednesday night by beating them 116-109 to start the 2020-21 season.
Before the game tipped off, the Lakers marked the last season’s title-winning season by awarding the team with rings to commemorate their success.
The ceremony was filled with heartwarming moments, as the medical workers, players’ families, NBA commissioner Adam Silver, and even some celebrities took part in the festivities.
The Lakers’ players, however, couldn’t enjoy the moment for too long—because it was time to focus on the new season and play the Clippers. But it wasn’t the greatest of starts.
Following a disappointing playoff exit in 2019-20, the Clippers came to Staples Center to play, and it showed from the very start. They dominated the Lakers in the first quarter, outscoring them by 20 points.
The Lakers managed to bounce back in the second, finding a rhythm and managing to cut the Clippers lead to just two before the half.
However, the Clippers managed to pull ahead once again in the third quarter, creating a double-digit lead to enter the final period thanks to some big moments from Paul George.
The Lakers tried to make another run in the last 12 minutes but couldn’t contain the Clippers’ offense enough to make it close.
The Clippers were led by George, who finished the game with 33 points, including 26 in the second half. Kawhi Leonard added 26 points, three assists, and two steals.
LeBron James starred for the Lakers on the other side with 22 points, while Anthony Davis finished the night with 18 points and seven boards.
The Lakers are hosting Dallas Mavericks next while the Clippers travel to Denver to face the Nuggets.
