The Los Angeles Clippers lost to the Toronto Raptors 114–106 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Oct. 10. Los Angeles trailed by 17 points after three quarters of the preseason game. A 34-point fourth quarter narrowed the gap but did not change the winner.
The numbers behind the result
Rui Hachimura led the Clippers with 14 points, and Darius Garland added 11. Yuki Kawamura and Baba Miller each scored 10 points. Los Angeles trailed 57–45 at halftime before Toronto extended its lead to 89–72.
RJ Barrett led Toronto with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Immanuel Quickley added 18 points and made five of his six three-point attempts. Scottie Barnes finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds as Toronto built enough of a cushion to absorb the late rally.
CSB Take
The Clippers’ final quarter showed a response, but the more useful review concerns the first three periods. Allowing a large deficit puts pressure on every possession that follows and limits what a late scoring run can accomplish. Los Angeles should use the remaining preseason work to identify lineups that can provide steadier defense and offense before the result gets away.
