LA the Clippers (36-36) beat Milwaukee Bucks (29-42) 129-96 at home on Monday, March 23. The final margin was 33 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Clippers struck first, taking the opening quarter 28-24 and a 4-point lead after one. The Clippers kept the pressure on with a 43-23 second quarter, carrying a 24-point lead into halftime.
The Clippers won the third 37-20 to create some separation, taking a 41-point lead into the fourth. The Bucks took the fourth 29-21; the Clippers held on for a 129-96 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Clippers took better care of the ball, turning it over on 12.4% of possessions compared with 22.2% for the Bucks. The Clippers got more from their shots, finishing at 68.5% effective field-goal shooting compared with 53.6% for the Bucks. Those extra possessions were crucial.
The Bucks did win one battle, second chances: ORB% of 26.8% against 12.9%. The Clippers made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 98 possessions per team, the Clippers produced 131.7 points per 100 possessions to 98 for the Bucks.
The Clippers' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 53-30.
Who stood out
Kawhi Leonard was the game's biggest individual force for LAC: 28 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl on 8-18 shooting. His Game Score of 23.5 led everyone. His team was +32 with him on the floor.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Clippers about a 83% chance.
Across the last 2 meetings in our records, the series is even.
The Clippers are now 36-36, and the Bucks are 29-42. The Clippers last five before this game: L-L-L-L-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.