Mar 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the game-winning shot against Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) and center Jonas Valanciunas (17) in overtime at the Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
With 1:48 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Sacramento Kings led the Los Angeles Clippers 97-90. The Kings couldn’t get a stop, or a basket, for the remainder of the quarter, capped by a James Harden drive that saw almost no resistance and tied the game with 11.2 seconds left. The Kings cleared out for Zach LaVine for their patented strategy of “run Iso in the closing minutes even when Iso has failed for the last two minutes”. LaVine attacked the defense, created space, and got a decent look, but his would-be game-winner rattled in and out. The Kings and Clippers traded shots in overtime, but the game was decided by the Kings being unable to get a stop when they needed it most. The Kings had a defense-heavy lineup on the floor, with LaVine flanked by Keon Ellis, Jake LaRavia, Jonas Valanciunas, and Keegan Murray. Kawhi Leonard got the ball, prodded at the defense, and drove in for a floater over LaRavia that rattled in as the game ended with a 111-110 Clippers victory.
Some thoughts and observations from this one:
#### **A good fight for most of the game**
I don’t want to get too focused on silver linings after a loss, but overall this was a pretty solid showing from the Kings. The defense couldn’t stop James Harden or Kawhi Leonard down the stretch, but for 46 minutes the Kings played really well despite missing Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk. Zach LaVine’s hot streak from 3 ended (just 1-of-7 from beyond the arc), but he still had 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. LaVine’s shot-making is really fun to watch.
DeRozan led the way for Sacramento, finishing with 31 points to go with 10 assists and 7 rebounds, but it felt like he could have easily finished with 45. DeRozan went 1-of-7 from 3, but hit multiple Mitch Richmond twos, with a toe just barely over the line. Sadly, turning his two late long-twos into threes would’ve been the difference in this game. DeRozan was also the centerpiece of a controversial challenge late in the game. DeRozan attempted and missed a three but the Clippers were called for a foul. LA Challenged the foul, and the refs overturned it, deciding the hand to hand “high five” contact was after the release and any other contact wasn’t substantial enough. A game-altering reversal late in the game, just what NBA fans want to see at games.
Jonas Valanciunas finished this game with 9 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal and a block. With Sabonis out of this game, Jonas played 42 minutes, and he was really good. Acquiring Valanciunas is going to go down as one of Monte McNair’s best moves, as it’s hard to imagine the Kings surviving and thriving with Sabonis out if the backup center position was still being manned by Alex Len and Trey Lyles. Jonas went toe to toe with Ivica Zubac, and while Zubac had a solid stat line of his own (22 points, 14 rebounds), it was just nice being able to match size with size and get great center play even without Domas. It’s been really great having Jonas as a backup, and a godsend to have him as a fill-in as Sabonis recovers from his hamstring strain.
#### **Jake LaRavia is a lovable menace**
I’m not here to tell you Jake LaRavia is a perfect player, or that he doesn’t make mistakes, or even to tell you that he can lock down anyone in the league (because that 4th quarter and OT definitely happened). But I can tell you that I enjoy the brand of defensive effort and chaos Jake LaRavia brings to a game. He was all over the place in this one. 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and just 2 fouls, but I feel like LaRavia’s nickname should be “better than his boxscore” because that’s how I always feel about him. I will remain worried about his wonky contract situation for the remainder of the season, because I would really love to be able to keep him around.
#### **Up Next**
No rest for the weary, as the Kings play the Knicks tonight. Game preview coming soon.