Ivica Zubac’s 24 points and 12 rebounds weren’t enough on Friday in Atlanta, as the Clippers let the game get away late, falling 112-106 to split the season series with the Hawks and lost for the third time in four games.
A contest between two conference finalists from a season ago played out, for the most part, much as one might have expected: Atlanta came into play with the second-best offensive rating in the NBA (114.2) and the fourth-worst defensive rating (113.6), shaped up about how one might expect – at least until the fourth quarter.
Trailing 90-85 entering the final period, the Clippers scored just 11 points through the first eight minutes of the final frame and then, after pulling it to within 108-106 on Zubac’s hook shot with 56.8 seconds remaining, they missed their last three shots – all 3-pointers – and couldn’t make up any more ground.
The win helps the Hawk, who are hanging on as the No. 10 team in the Eastern Conference, occupying the final spot for the four-team play-in tournament.
The Clippers, meanwhile, sit in eighth place in the Western Conference.
After snapping a two-game losing skid on Wednesday with a 115-109 victory over the Washington Wizards in L.A. and will look to avoid stringing together losses again when they travel to Detroit for a game on Sunday (noon PT).
The Clippers (35-34) continue to operate without injured All-Stars Kawhi Leonard (ACL) and Paul George (elbow), as well as Norman Powell (foot) and Robert Covington (personal).
With reserve center Isaiah Hartenstein limited to two minutes in the first half before of foul trouble, Zubac logged 36 minutes Friday, his most minutes in a regulation game this season and recorded his 19th double-double.
Reggie Jackson added 24 points, five assists and five turnovers. Marcus Morris Sr. and Nicolas Batum chipped in with 13 points apiece. And Luke Kennard finished with 15 points on 4-for-6 shooting – all but one coming in the first half.
Both teams started hot: The Clippers opened the game 21 for 40 (52.5%) and 8 for 16 from 3-point range – and 9 for 9 from the free-throw line. (Kennard was especially effective, hitting all four of his first-half shots en route to 14 points.)
While they were filling it up offensively, their defense proved porous because the Hawks also had little trouble putting up points; they went into halftime 24 for 45 (53.3%) and 4 for 14 (28.6%) from 3-point range. And 8 for 8 from the stripe.
Morris was ejected with 2:42 to play after his complaints struck a nerve with official Jason Goldenberg, who whistled the Clipper forward for two technical fouls. Morris was holding the ball at the top of the circle when he pivoted and was called for traveling.
The score was tied 82-82 when Morris was tossed, and the Hawks outscored their guests 8-3 to close the quarter, taking a 90-85 lead into the fourth quarter.
Star guard Trae Young led Atlanta (32-34) with 27 points and 11 assists. He shot 10 for 12 at the free-throw line.
“Trae controlled the whole game,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said.
Onyeka Okongwu – of Chino Hills and USC – added six points and nine rebounds, helping the Hawks dominate the glass.
They finished with a substantial rebounding advantage (47-36), including a 15-6 margin in offensive boards.
More to come on this story.