OAKLAND, Calif. "31?"Clippers guard Landry Shamet told Sporting News with his eyes wide in near disbelief. "31? Biggest in playoff history?"Shamets shock mirrored the feelingof the entire Oracle Arena crowd. While the Warriors faithful slowly trudged outside with their heads down,the Clippers rushed the floor to celebrate the most unlikely postseason victory the league has ever seen.NBA PLAYOFFS 2019:| The Clippers, down 31 points in the second half, managed to complete the largest
Minnesota Twins Jersey comeback in NBA playoff history Monday night to even their best-of-seven series with Golden State at one game apiece. It was a victory that not a soul in Oraclesaw coming. That is, except for Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers." I told the team that we were going to win,"Rivers said, explaining what he shared with his players in the locker room afterthe Clippers faced a73-50 halftime deficit. "Just hang in there. Just hang in there long enough. I was honest with them. I said, 'I dont know how. Were going to figure this out, but just hang in there with each other.' I thought they did that."It was a night that began with the expectation of a playoff romp, but Game 2 wasn'tjust a terrible collapse for the Warriors.Early in the first quarter, after intercepting a pa s at half court, starting center DeMarcus Cousins stumbled to the ground and clutched his left quad. It was a non-contact injury, similar to the torn Achilles he suffered in the same leg as a member of the Pelicans more than ayear ago.As a hushed Warriors crowd looked on, a visibly frustrated Cousins headed to the locker room. Golden State fears Cousins tore his quad, according to , and Warriors coach Steve Kerr did little to quell those concerns after the game."Theres a pretty significant quad injury
Phil Hughes Jersey ," Kerr said. "Well get an MRI tomorrow. But hes going to be out for, Ill just say awhile, because I think its unclear right now how long hell be out. Its significant."After Game 2 collapse against LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said DeMarcus Cousins suffered a "pretty significant" quad injury. "He's going to be out awhile." Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) MORE: Cousins' injury didnt seem to faze the Warriors for nearly two-and-a-half quarters. In fact, it almost seemed to galvanize them as their lead swelled to 31 in the third. Stephen Curry was putting on a show on his way to a team-high 29 points, and Oracle went into celebration mode. The party started a little early.As the Clippers trimmed the deficit to 14 before the start of the fourth quarter, the thought that they could complete the largest comeback in playoff history still seemed far-fetched. But the Clippers had been there before all season really. Back in February, they completed an improbable 28-point comeback to beat the Celtics on the road."It kept popping into my head," said Shamet, who finished with
Jorge Polanco Jersey 12 points, four rebounds and three a sists against the Warriors. "Boston. Think of Boston. Because it definitely felt identical."That beliefhelped Shametstick the dagger in Golden State when his name was called. Shamets go-ahead 3-pointerwith 15.
Jose Berrios Jersey 9 seconds left put the Clippers up, 133-131. After a key defensive stop, Shamet tipped a reboundto Montrezl Harrell, who was fouled andwent on to knock down two free throws, clinchingthe 135-131 victory.Shamet DRAINS a for the Clippers to take the LEAD! | NBA TV (@NBATV) OFFSEASON PREVIEWS:| | | | Game 2was a testament to what the Clippers have been all year long: gritty, resilientunderdogs.Led by Lou Williams and Patrick Beverley, the Clippers continue to exceed expectations. Williams, who led the Clippers with 36 points and 11 a sists, made improbable shot afterimprobable shot to continue chipping away at the deficit. Beverley, always known for his swagger and propensity for trash talk, never allowed the Clippers to lose faith." Beverley is so important for us. I think people get lost in some of his antics and stuff," Rivers said. "But his spirit and his soul is so important for our team. He was encouraging everybody. I thought him and Lou in particular in the timeouts, when we were down, they kept going to the young guys. I thought they were really important for us."The
Kirby Puckett Jersey Warriors will regroup, of course. In all likelihood, Golden State will take care of busine s against the Clippers andcontinue their run towarda third consecutive title. But choking away a 31-point leadwill not be forgotten easily, especially with a lo s that highlighted all of the Warriors' problems.Theres a very real chance that Cousins will not be there to help in their quest. Kevin Durant and Draymond Green , leaving their teammates to explain what happened and opening the door to speculation about internal strife. The bench depth has been a concern all season long.This is a team so good it can build a 31-point lead in a playoff game, seemingly without breaking a sweat. It can also fall apart against a significantly le s talented opponent. The gap between another championship and the end of a dynastyhas never felt thinner.For the Clippers, Monday nights victory was the icing on the cake of a season that few expected. For the Warriors, it should serve as a major wake-up call.
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