Quentin Grimes scores 23 points as Collin Sexton adds a season-high 21 off the bench to lead the Lakers past the Clippers
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 103-87 in Inglewood, California, on Wednesday night. Quentin Grimes scored 23 points, while Collin Sexton contributed a season-high 21 points off the bench. The Lakers secured their second win over the Clippers in a week despite Luka Doncic’s absence.
Inglewood, Calif.: Quentin Grimes scored 23 points, Collin Sexton added a season-high 21 off the bench, and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 103-87 on Wednesday night for their second win over their city rivals in a week.
The Lakers (4-1) played without Luka Doncic, who sat out because of back tightness during the second game of the team’s first back-to-back of the season. Starting forward Ziaire Williams also missed the game with a sore left foot. Coach JJ Redick said both absences were precautionary.
The Clippers (1-3) committed 24 turnovers, continuing a problem that contributed to their recent defeats. They had recorded 26 turnovers in each of their previous two games, both losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Lakers.
Lakers Take Control With Second-Quarter Scoring Run
The Lakers established control in the second quarter, outscoring the Clippers 31-6 and producing a 16-point scoring run to take a 56-38 lead at halftime. Six different Lakers players scored in the quarter, with Austin Reaves leading the group with nine points.
Without Doncic, who entered the game averaging an NBA-leading 36 points, the Lakers had six players finish in double figures. Reaves scored 16 points, while Matisse Thybulle added 15. Sexton and Thybulle each made four 3-pointers.
The Clippers attempted to recover early in the third quarter after falling behind by 18 points. They outscored the Lakers 12-2 to cut the deficit to seven.
However, the Lakers responded with a 27-15 run to close the quarter. Sexton scored 11 consecutive points during the stretch, including back-to-back 3-pointers, as the Lakers extended their lead to 85-65.
Rookie Keaton Wagler Leads Clippers With 21 Points
Rookie Keaton Wagler scored a career-high 21 points off the bench to lead the Clippers. The defeat marked their third consecutive loss, following an eight-point loss to the Lakers on Friday.
The Clippers were also without starting forward Rui Hachimura, who missed the game with left quadriceps tightness while facing his former team.
The Lakers secured another victory over the Clippers despite Doncic’s absence, while the Clippers continued to struggle with turnovers and their losing streak.
