Los Angeles seized control with a dominant second quarter to take a 56-38 halftime lead over the Clippers.
The Lakers turned a tight 25-22 first-quarter edge into an 18-point halftime cushion, outscoring the Clippers 31-16 in the second. Austin Reaves paced Los Angeles with 16 points, while Matisse Thybulle added 12 on 4-for-4 shooting, including three triples. Derrick Jones Jr. kept the Clippers within reach early, scoring 11 on 4-for-5 shooting and making all three of his threes. After the break, the Clippers need to slow the Lakers’ scoring and get Darius Garland, who has nine points but five turnovers, into cleaner possessions.
Key Performers
Austin Reaves (Lakers): 16 points, 6-for-13 FG Matisse Thybulle (Lakers): 12 points, 4-for-4 FG, 3-for-3 3PT Derrick Jones Jr. (Clippers): 11 points, 4-for-5 FG, 3-for-3 3PT