The Los Angeles Clippers delivered the biggest comeback in NBA playoff history Monday, rallying from a 31-point deficit for a shocking 135-131 win…
The Los Angeles Clippers delivered the biggest comeback in NBA playoff history Monday, rallying from a 31-point deficit for a shocking 135-131 win over the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors.
Lou Williams scored 36 points and Montrezl Harrell nailed a couple of clutch late free throws as the Clippers surprised even themselves to square the first round playoff series at 1-1.
Clippers coach Doc Rivers said he told his players at halftime, when they were down by 23 points, to not give up.
“I said ‘We are going to win this game.’ I was honest with them. I said, ‘I don’t know how. Just hang in there with each other,’” Rivers said.
“This is who we are. We hung in there long enough. We found a way to win the game.”
Williams also had 11 assists, going 13-of-22 from the field and eight-of-10 from the free throw line.
Game three is Thursday in Los Angeles.
The stretch drive featured the Clippers’ consistent mid-range game against the Warriors’ inconsistent three-point shooting. But fouls and injuries also worked against the Warriors in game two of the first round series.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr described it as an epic meltdown.
“Once you lose momentum in a game, it is hard to get it back,” said Kerr.
