Clippers Capture L.A.

04/06/2023 Clippers Capture L.A.

By: Jeff Yoder

Clippers Hold Off Lakers (125-118) for Season Sweep; Bucks Clinch No. 1 Overall Seed

The fourth rendition of the battle for Los Angeles in the 2022-23 season went a lot like the first three — and the last ten. The Clippers stepped on the gas early and — despite a late run from the Lakers — controlled the game from tip to horn in a critical matchup for playoff seeding. Norman Powell (27) and Kawhi Leonard (25) led the Clips while a hungry LeBron James (33-8-7) posted his second straight 30-point game. The Clippers have now beaten the Lakers in 11 straight games dating back to 2021. Both teams will be in the playoff next week, at the very least via the play-in, but their security in the top-six is still uncertain (see standings below). The East is nearly locked, but the West is still a game of musical chairs with just four two games to play.

 

Watch: Clippers Hold Off Lakers in Wire-to-Wire Win (125-118)

 

Other NBA Highlights

Bucks Shred Bulls to Clinch No. 1 Overall Seed (105-92)

Mavericks Stay Alive With Comeback Against Kings (123-119)

Pelicans Fend Off Grizzlies With 3 30-Point Scorers (138-131, OT)

Knicks Top Pacers for 5th Straight Win, Lock East’s 5-Seed (138-129)

 

NBA Playoff Watch

 

Eastern Conference

1. Bucks (58-22) — Y

2. Celtics (55-25) — X

3. 76ers (52-27) — X

4. Cavaliers (50-30) — X

5. Knicks (47-33) — X

6. Nets (44-36)

7. Heat (42-37)

8. Hawks (41-39)

9. Raptors (40-40)

10. Bulls (38-42)

 

Western Conference

1. Nuggets (52-27) — X

2. Grizzlies (50-30) — X

3. Kings (48-32) — X

4. Suns (44-35) — X

5. Clippers (42-38)

6. Warriors (42-38)

7. Lakers (41-39)

8. Pelicans (41-39)

9. Timberwolves (40-40)

10. Thunder (38-42)

11. Mavericks (38-42)

12. Jazz (36-43)

 

Y — Clinched Home Court

X — Clinched Playoffs

 

Photo: Harry How / Getty Images