Kawhi Leonard: 'I'll Be Good' After Knee Injury Scare in Clippers' Game 4 Win
Jun 15, 2021
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball during an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Thursday, April 1, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is not concerned after appearing to suffer a knee injury during the fourth quarter of his team's 118-104 victory over the Utah Jazz in Game 4 on Monday night.
"I'll be good," Leonard said during his postgame interview with TNT.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue also told reporters after the game that he believes "everybody is pretty good" on the health front.
Leonard exited the game with 4:35 to play as his team held a 16-point lead. Leonard had 31 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in 34 minutes.
The 29-year-old has had his fair share of injury struggles this season. He missed five games at the end of April with a foot injury, and he has also been absent for leg contusions, foot soreness, back spasms and facial lacerations, as well as missing time when following the league's health and safety protocols.
Leonard averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 51.2 percent from the field in 52 games during the regular season. He has elevated his game even further during the postseason, averaging 30.4 points per game through his team's first 11 contests.
The former San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors forward earned his fifth All-Star selection this season, his 11th in the league. Naturally, his presence helped the Clippers earn the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
While Paul George (24.9 points per game) has performed fairly well this postseason, any injury to Leonard would deal a serious blow to the Clippers' championship hopes. Fortunately for Los Angeles, however, it appears as though Leonard will be good to go for Game 5 on Wednesday.
Kawhi Leonard, Paul George Power Clippers to Win vs. Donovan Mitchell, Jazz in Game 4
Jun 15, 2021
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, center, dunks over Utah Jazz center Derrick Favors, right, as guard Donovan Mitchell watches during the first half in Game 4 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series Monday, June 14, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Los Angeles Clippers are two wins away from their first trip to the Western Conference Finals in franchise history.
L.A. evened its second-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at 2-2 with a 118-104 victory in Monday's Game 4 at Staples Center. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Marcus Morris Sr. led the way in the winning effort and ensured the pattern of the home team winning every game in this series continued.
An impressive showing from Donovan Mitchell wasn't enough for the Jazz, who remained without Mike Conley because of a hamstring injury.
Nobody in the entire league was under as much scrutiny entering these playoffs as George and the Clippers, who failed to capitalize on championship expectations last year in large part because the seven-time All-Star struggled as they blew a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets in the second round.
The criticism was there once again when they fell behind 2-0 to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round and 2-0 to the Jazz in this round.
Yet they continue to bounce back, and George was a big part of the early efforts Monday with his rebounding, outside shooting and ability to get to the free-throw line. Throw in Leonard posterizing Derrick Favors with a monster slam as he continued to get to the rim and Morris catching fire from long range, and Los Angeles looked downright unstoppable in the first half.
The Clippers of old may have folded when the Jazz made a charge to start the third quarter as they cut the 29-point lead in half with multiple three-pointers and transition opportunities.
Instead, George dunked in the lane and hit a three, Leonard hit his patented pull-up jumpers, and the defense delivered on important possessions to make sure the visitors didn't generate too much momentum.
That was all that was needed thanks to the early dominance, and Ivica Zubac's tip-in to end the third quarter and push the lead back to 21 seemingly ended any chance the Jazz had at completing a dramatic comeback. The only real concern was Leonard, who didn't play in the final minutes after slightly limping and rubbing his knee.
Leonard is a given if healthy as a two-time NBA Finals MVP who can carry the team on both ends, but the Clippers need George to play to his potential if they are going to win this series and the title. It is encouraging that he responded in his second consecutive pressure-packed contest after pouring in 31 points in Game 3, and the team will look to build on that on the road.
Donovan Mitchell's Big Scoring Night Not Enough for Jazz
There was reason for concern from Utah's perspective even before Monday's game.
After all, Conley still hasn't played yet in this series, which has left it without its floor general who sets up others for ideal looks and hits from the outside when needed. Mitchell also limped multiple times throughout the Game 3 loss, and it is nearly impossible to envision the Jazz winning this series if he is sidelined.
Things didn't get much better out of the gates for the visitors in Game 4, as they fell behind by as many as 29 points and looked completely lost on the defensive side for extended stretches.
The one silver lining was the performance of Mitchell. The two-time All-Star did what he could to keep his team within striking distance by slashing through the lane, finishing through contact and connecting from three-point range. He poured in 21 points in the first half alone as the only member of his team in double figures.
Rudy Gobert didn't even attempt a shot from the field in the first half, and the supporting cast was nowhere to be found until the Jazz picked up the pace in the third quarter and started looking for quick three-pointers.
While Mitchell forced the issue at times and ended up with five turnovers, he continued to create scoring opportunities for himself and reached the 30-point mark for the sixth straight game. Joe Ingles and Bojan Bogdanovic also picked up their play with perimeter shooting, which at least gives the Jazz something to build on heading back home.
Still, Jordan Clarkson didn't provide his typical scoring (3-of-12 from the field), and Utah was never able to dig out of the significant hole it found itself in following an abysmal first half.
What's Next?
The series shifts back to Utah for Wednesday's Game 5.
Paul George on Relationship with Joe Ingles: 'I Don't Care About Him. Next Question'
Jun 13, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 28: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers guards Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz as he drives to the basket in the second half of the game at Staples Center on December 28, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George and Utah Jazz swingman Joe Ingles both seem content to let whatever rivalry bubbled up between them in 2018 remain in the past.
Asked about that year's series between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder—where Paul played at the time—and whether or not there were any lingering hard feelings, the Clippers star quickly deflected:
Asked about his relationship with Joe Ingles and how it is since his series against Ingles when OKC played Utah: "I dont care about him. Next question."
Ingles gave a similar response earlier this week when he was asked about matching up with George in the playoffs once again.
Joe Ingles: "The whole narrative of Paul George vs. Joe Ingles is a little bit old in my mind. It's Jazz vs. Clippers now. … I personally don't read into the 1-on-1 stuff. That was 3 years ago. My twins could barely speak then and now they annoy the hell out of me."
Rivalry or not, George certainly got the better of Ingles and the Jazz in Game 3 on Saturday. The guard drained a postseason-high 31 points with six three-points while Ingles finished with 19 points.
Los Angeles won 132-106 to cut Utah's series lead to 2-1. Game 4 is set for Monday night at Staples Center.
Mike Conley Ruled Out for Jazz vs. Clippers Game 3 With Hamstring Injury
Jun 12, 2021
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MAY 29: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Memphis Grizzlies during Round 1, Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 29, 2021 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Utah Jazz announced point guard
Mike Conley will remain sidelined by a hamstring injury for Game 3 of
their second-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Conley suffered a mild right hamstring
strain in the final game of the team's first-round series against the
Memphis Grizzlies on June 2. He was previously listed as questionable
for Saturday's game.
The 2021 All-Star was off to a strong
start in the playoffs before the injury. He averaged 20.0 points, 10.3
assists and 4.8 rebounds across the first four games of the Grizzlies
series. He also knocked down 16 threes while shooting 53.3 percent
from beyond the arc in those contests.
Conley, who missed 21 games because of multiple hamstring issues during
the regular season, was limited to under 12 minutes in the clinching game
against Memphis, and he hasn't returned to the lineup against the
Clippers.
"Hopefully, we'll get him back as
quickly as possible," Jazz head coach Quin Snyder told reporters
before Game 2. "But those things are hard to predict."
Utah has still managed to secure a 2-0
lead on L.A. in large part thanks to the tremendous play of fellow
guard Donovan Mitchell. He's tallied 82 points, 12 threes, nine
assists and six rebounds in the series, though he dealt with an ankle injury scare late in Game 2.
"I got hit and it hurt, but I'm
fine now," Mitchell said after the game. "I walked in here. If you want me
to sprint for you, I can. I'm good. You know, s--t happens.
Thankfully, it wasn't bad. Move on and get ready for Game 3."
Mitchell's strong play along with
reserves Jordan Clarkson and Joe Ingles stepping up to fill the
backcourt void left by Conley has the Western Conference's top seed
in control against the Clippers.
A win Saturday to take a 3-0 lead would give the Jazz more flexibility to remain cautious with
their starting point guard's return. The situation will become more pressing if the Clippers are able to tighten the series while back home at Staples Center.
Conley's next chance to return will
come in Game 4, which is set for Monday night at 10 p.m. ET on TNT.
Clippers' Serge Ibaka Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery on Back Injury
Jun 11, 2021
Los Angeles Clippers center Serge Ibaka (9) dribbles in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Sunday, March 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
The Los Angeles Clippers announced big man Serge Ibaka underwent season-ending back surgery Thursday. He is expected to make a full recovery.
There is nothing I would love more than being on the court helping my brothers and trying to win a championship for #ClipperNation. It's been a very tough season, I worked very hard to be back in time for the Playoffs... pic.twitter.com/i10lKmOzEn
Ibaka, 31, is in his first season with the Clippers. The 12-year NBA veteran averaged 11.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 23.3 minutes over 41 games for the Clips. He missed 30 games from March 15 through May 13 but returned to the court with two regular-season matchups remaining.
Ibaka suited up for both of those contests as well as Los Angeles' first two playoff games against the Dallas Mavericks, but he was then listed as questionable on the NBA injury report with back spasms for Game 3 of that first-round playoff series. He missed that game and has been off the court ever since.
Ibaka told reporters (h/t Law Murray of The Athletic) in May that he had been dealing with back pain since the beginning of the season.
“I have a pinched nerve,” Ibaka said.
Murray added that Ibaka said he had been taking pills to try to manage the problem before he was forced to sit out beginning in mid-March.
Ibaka added: "When your nerves come from your disc and go down in your legs, it’s more nerves. Yeah, it’s been a very rough year for me since the beginning of the season. I wanted to play through the pain, but at some point, I could not continue to play like that.”
Ibaka, a three-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team, has led the NBA in blocks per game twice.
Ibaka started 39 of his 41 regular-season games for the Clippers, with the lone two exceptions occurring at the end of the campaign when he returned to the court following a two-month hiatus.
Without Ibaka, the Clippers have gone to a few different options to handle the center spot.
The Clippers have opted to go small at times and insert Nicolas Batum as the de facto center. They've also gone toward a more traditional lineup and placed Ivica Zubac at the 5.
With Ibaka sidelined, the Clippers signed free-agent big man DeMarcus Cousins in April. He's filled in as a backup big man behind Zubac.
L.A. is currently facing the Utah Jazz in Round 2 of the Western Conference playoffs. Utah holds a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven matchup.
Kawhi Leonard Says Clippers Have 'a Lot of Fight Left' Despite 2-0 Deficit vs. Jazz
Jun 11, 2021
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JUNE 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket during the game against the Utah Jazz during Round 2, Game 2 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 10, 2021 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard
said the team won't back down from the challenge of trying
to come back from a 2-0 series deficit for the second straight series
after a Game 2 loss to the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.
"We all got to put our will out on
the floor," Leonard told reporters. "You know, see what we
did in the first two games and try to limit our mistakes and just
keep going on from there pretty much. We'll see [on Friday] what we
got to do, and we've got a lot of fight left. So you know, we're up
for the challenge."
The Clippers trailed their first-round
series against the Dallas Mavericks at 2-0 and 3-2 before winning the
final two games to advance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-YMtyvf8l0
L.A. had three players surpass 20
points in Game 2 against the Jazz—Reggie Jackson (29), Paul
George (27) and Leonard (21)—but no other player scored
more than eight, and the team struggled mightily to come up with key
stops defensively.
Utah shot 55.3 percent from the field
and knocked down 20 threes en route to the commanding 2-0 series
advantage. Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 37 after scoring 45
in Game 1.
George explained the Clippers are "optimistic that we can get this under control" and get the
series back level with the next two games on their home floor at
Staples Center.
"We've got to give them credit,"
George said. "This is a tough opponent. They weren't No. 1 in
the West for no reason. ... But, you know, we are approaching this
the same way Dallas was—we still feel we have a lot of possessions
that we can clean up, a lot of possessions that are hurting us that's
our fault."
It was a similar story against Dallas.
Los Angeles allowed 240 points over the first two games before
holding Dallas to an average of 100.4 points over the final five
games to turn the series around.
The Clippers will need to up their
defensive performance once again if they're going to forge another
comeback against the more well-rounded Jazz, who ranked third in the
NBA in offensive efficiency during the regular season, per ESPN.
Game 3 is a virtual must-win situation
for L.A. Utah posted the league's best record at home (31-5) during
the regular season, so any comeback that would have to include two
victories on the road would represent a likely insurmountable
deficit.
Leonard, George and Co. can get right
back in the series by defending their own home floor, though. The next game comes Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Donovan Mitchell 'Fine' After Tweaking Ankle Injury in Closing Seconds vs. Clippers
Jun 11, 2021
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reaches for his leg after being fouled by Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George during the second half of Game 2 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series Thursday, June 10, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell said
his ankle injury isn't a concern despite being struck late in
Thursday's Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in the teams'
second-round playoff series.
"I got hit and it hurt, but I'm
fine now," Mitchell told reporters after scoring a game-high 37
points in the 117-111 victory. "I walked in here. If you want me
to sprint for you, I can. I'm good. You know, s--t happens.
Thankfully, it wasn't bad. Move on and get ready for Game 3."
The Jazz hold a 2-0 lead as the series
shifts to Staples Center in L.A. for the next two contests.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEoaZpDWDpE
Mitchell missed the start of the
postseason with a sprained ankle that sidelined him from April 16
through May 26. He's played the Jazz's last six playoff games, and the
team hasn't lost since his return, winning four straight games
against the Memphis Grizzlies and the first two against the Clippers.
The 24-year-old two-time All-Star
torched L.A. to help Utah defended its home-court advantage. He's
averaged 41.0 points, 4.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds while shooting
52.5 percent from the field and 45.0 percent from three so far in the conference semifinals.
"He's just stepping up in a big
way," Jazz teammate Jordan Clarkson said after Game 2. "He's
been a real superstar, MVP-caliber player, All-NBA type of guy.
That's his job, and that's what he does."
Mitchell's contributions, especially in helping run the offense, have been crucial with starting
point guard Mike Conley missing the series' first two games
with a hamstring injury.
Clarkson scored 24 points off the bench
in Game 2, while Rudy Gobert added 13 points, 20 rebounds and three
blocks to help the Jazz gain firm control of the series.
"I don't feel like I have to go
out there and do everything," Mitchell said. "I think
that's a credit to my teammates, credit to the guys that we have on
this team. They can go out there and make plays. ... I don't feel
like I have to go up there, walk it up, do everything. There are
times where I will have to do that. That's just part of my job, but
for me, it's great to have a group of guys that trust you and you
trust. You just go out there and play and have fun."
It appears Mitchell avoided any injury setback Thursday night, and now the focus shifts to Game 3 as Utah
attempts to push the Clippers to the brink of elimination. Tip off is
scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Paul George Says He Liked 'Playoff P' Taunt from Jazz Fans: 'It's All Respect'
Jun 9, 2021
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JUNE 8: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz during Round 2, Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 8, 2021 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George
said he wasn't bothered by the "Playoff P" and "overrated"
chants by Utah Jazz fans during Tuesday's 112-109 Game 1 loss in the
teams' Western Conference Semifinals.
George, who made just four of 17
shots from the field, said taunts on the
road come with the territory.
"I like it. That part doesn't get
to me. It's all respect. I've had good games here and I've had bad
games here," he told reporters. "That's part of this game,
to be honest. Crowd's going to be involved. You want that. As an
opposing player, you kind of want that."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUQXGVcw39E
The seven-time All-Star finished the contest with 20
points, 10 rebounds and two assists. A more efficient offensive
performance from him and fellow forward Marcus Morris Sr., who went
4-of-14 from the field, could have pushed the Clippers into
the win column in Game 1.
Instead, L.A. will be forced to play
from behind for the second straight series. It trailed the Dallas
Mavericks 2-0 and 3-2 in the first round before winning the final two
games to advance.
George said he felt "indecisive" with his approach offensively as Jazz center Rudy Gobert set up
shop in the paint, and it's something he must improve:
"The big fella is really good at
just clogging the paint up and just sitting at the rim. And a lot of plays I was just forcing
myself trying to get to the basket where he's there waiting for me.
So I think just being decisive on approach of setting up, getting the
shots that I want while he's in those coverages."
Los Angeles must also do a better job
of defending leads. It carried a 60-47 advantage into halftime but
watched it evaporate as Utah won the third quarter by a 32-19
margin to get the score level.
The 31-year-old Fresno State product
added the Clippers have to match the Jazz's physical play.
"It's playoff basketball,"
George said. "The physicality just has to be allowed on both
ends, and I'll leave it at that."
L.A. has one more chance to wrestle
home-court advantage away from the top-seeded Jazz before the series
shifts to Staples Center for Games 3 and 4.
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Donovan Mitchell Drops 45 as Jazz Beat Kawhi Leonard, Clippers in Game 1 Thriller
Jun 9, 2021
Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard (2) and Marcus Morris Sr. (8) defend against Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half of Game 1 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The top-seeded Utah Jazz keep rolling.
Utah defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 112-109 in Tuesday's Game 1 of their second-round series at Vivint Arena. Donovan Mitchell was brilliant and led the way for the victors, who prevailed at home even though Mike Conley was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
While Mitchell spearheaded the effort, it was Rudy Gobert's block on a Marcus Morris Sr. three-pointer in the final seconds that clinched the win.
A solid showing from Kawhi Leonard wasn't enough for the Clippers, who also lost two of three to the Jazz during the regular season.
Notable Player Stats
Donovan Mitchell, G, UTA: 45 PTS, 5 AST, 3 REB
Bojan Bogdanovic, F, UTA: 18 PTS, 5 REB
Jordan Clarkson, G, UTA: 18 PTS, 6-of-14 3PT
Kawhi Leonard, F, LAC: 23 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST
Paul George, G, LAC: 20 PTS, 10 REB
Luke Kennard, G, LAC: 18 PTS, 4-of-6 3PT
Donovan Mitchell Takes Over in Comeback Win
The availability of Conley was a major storyline entering Game 1, and never was his absence felt more than in the first quarter when the Jazz missed a stunning 21 consecutive field-goal attempts.
While Mitchell is the go-to option, Conley is the one who controls the pace, directs the offense, sets everyone up in ideal position to score and even creates shots for himself. Without that presence, Utah's offense completely fell apart right out of the gate against a Clippers squad that can send some of the league's best defenders at outside shooters.
Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson were expectedly aggressive without Conley, and Joe Ingles facilitated to keep the home team within striking distance despite the abysmal start.
It’s the third time Donovan Mitchell has scored 30+ in a half of a playoff game. That matches Allen Iverson for most 30-point playoff halves in last 25 years, per @ESPNStatsInfo. https://t.co/MCUQRX9t76
Without those efforts, the game might have been essentially over by halftime. Instead, Mitchell put the Jazz on his back in the third quarter with an array of deep three-pointers and drives to the basket. He gave Utah its first lead of the second half with an assist to a cutting Royce O'Neale, who was also key on the defensive side against the Clippers' wings.
Mitchell's dominance, along with timely threes from Clarkson, tied the game heading into the fourth and gave the Western Conference's top seed a chance to steal a comeback win without its point guard.
Win the Jazz did, thanks in part to their swarming defense. They made Leonard work for every look, largely shut down Paul George outside of free throws and iced the game on that end with Gobert's block.
That was enough with Mitchell answering every Clippers' momentum swing with clutch basket after clutch basket. Los Angeles had no answer for him in crunch time, whether he was launching deep threes or attacking even the smallest lanes. It was a superstar performance from a player who continues to thrive in the postseason.
Paul George Struggles as Clippers Blow Opportunity
If anything, Tuesday's game likely felt like something of a reprieve from the pressure for the Clippers.
After all, they prevailed in two win-or-go-home games to keep their season alive after falling behind 3-2 against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. Game 1 against the Jazz was an opportunity to steal home-court advantage, but this could very well be a long series with bigger contests to come.
They came out like they weren't feeling the pressure at all and jumped out to a 13-point halftime lead behind a balanced offensive effort.
Luke Kennard caught fire from deep off the bench, DeMarcus Cousins and Ivica Zubac provided a quick burst, Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum found their stroke from three-point range, and L.A. was still in control even though Leonard and George were relatively quiet in the early going.
Even with all that and Leonard asserting himself as more of a scorer in the third quarter, the visitors lost their lead and were tied heading into the fourth in large part because George was lost on the offensive end.
George, who finished 4-of-17 from the field, continued to force the issue into the fourth quarter, and it felt like a win for Utah every time he shot instead of Leonard. Were it not for Kennard helping make up for the seven-time All-Star's struggles, the game might have gotten away from the Clippers even sooner.
Still, the end result was a loss for the Clippers and more questions about George's playoff performances.
What's Next?
Game 2 of the series is Thursday in Utah at 10 p.m. ET.
Bettor Places $900k Wager on Clippers Moneyline vs. Jazz; Would Have Paid $1m
Jun 9, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 20: The LA Clippers bench celebrates during the game against the Boston Celtics on November 20, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers were the underdogs in tonight's opening Western Conference Semifinal game against the Utah Jazz, but one bettor had a lot of faith.
BetMGM took a $900,000 bet that would have won $1 million on the Clippers' moneyline (+120).
🚨 MONSTER BET ON THE CLIPPERS 🚨@BetMGM just took a bet for $900K on Clippers ML (+120) vs. the Jazz tonight
Unfortunately, it didn't pay off. The Jazz overcame a 13-point halftime deficit to earn a 112-109 victory after 45 points from Donovan Mitchell and a game-saving block from Rudy Gobert at the buzzer.
Don's 4th 40+ point game of his postseason career. In 27 games.
That wasn't the only hefty wager that was dependent on the Clippers this postseason. With Los Angeles facing elimination in Game 7, one bettor on Saturday placed a $35,000 bet on the Clippers to not only defeat the Dallas Mavericks but also win the NBA title.
That slip is still alive and would pay out $210,000.
