In back-to-back heartbreaking losses on the road, the Los Angeles Clippers (4-10) were unable to find a way to come out on top, dropping both games. The Clippers fell to the Boston Celtics (7-7) 121-118 on Sunday and gave up a comeback to lose 110-108 to the Philadelphia 76ers (8-5) on Monday night.
Against Boston, the Clippers mounted a strong second-half comeback but came up just short. It was a different story against Philadelphia, where it was Los Angeles that gave up the large lead.
The Clippers struggled to get off to a good start in Boston, allowing the Celtics to jump ahead by 18 at halftime and by as much as 24 in the third quarter.
An explosive second half from point guard James Harden who scored 28 of his 37 points in the final 24 minutes anchored the comeback attempt for Los Angeles against Boston. Harden hit a series of threes in the final few minutes to give the Clippers a chance. Los Angeles cut it to 119-118 with two seconds left in the game courtesy of a three from Harden, but Boston guard Payton Pritchard was fouled and hit both free throws.
Harden had an open look at a game-tying three at the buzzer but missed it off the rim. Los Angeles received good production from the bench, who contributed 37 points to propel the Clippers within one possession in the 4th quarter. It was the opposite story for the Celtics’ bench, which Los Angeles had a lot of success against.
Boston was able to hang on thanks to quality performances from forward Jaylen Brown who had 33 points and Pritchard contributed 30 points.
Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. exited the game in the second quarter against Boston after a collision and did not return. It was reported following the game that Jones is expected to miss at least six weeks with an MCL strain, a blow to an already short-handed Clippers squad.
Against the 76ers, Los Angeles did a better job of coming out fast with energy but struggled to maintain the momentum. Philadelphia trailed for a majority of the game but a 14-3 run in the third quarter and strong 37-point fourth quarter propelled it in front and the 76ers held off the Clippers.
Harden led the way against Philadelphia with 28 points but could not find success from beyond the arc, shooting 17% from three. Down 110-108 with seconds left on the clock, Harden had two chances at a game-winning three but missed both.
Guard Kobe Sanders was able to contribute 17 points and made crucial free throws down the line to keep the Clippers within shouting distance. Center Ivica Zubac added 14 points with 13 rebounds.
Anchoring the finish for the 76ers, guard Tyrese Maxey scored 39 points. Forward Paul George made his season debut and had nine points with seven rebounds.
Los Angeles has now lost eight of its last nine games.
The Clippers will hope to do a better job at finishing in tight games as they continue their seven-game road trip with a meeting against the Orlando Magic on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.