Clippers Halt Skid Against Jazz Ahead of Key Stretch

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8, 2025 – The Los Angeles Clippers seized a much-needed victory on Saturday night, defeating the Utah Jazz 118-103 at the Intuit Dome. The win lifted the Clippers’ record to 30-23, putting them just a half-game behind the sixth-place Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference standings.

After enduring a three-game losing streak, including a disappointing 119-112 setback to the Indiana Pacers earlier in the week, the Clippers showcased their determination against a beleaguered Jazz team struggling with injuries and currently holding the second-worst record in the conference.

Clippers’ Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of the win. “You want to build momentum heading into a long road trip,” he said. “We knew we had to perform tonight, and the team did just that.”

Tyler Zubac led the Clippers with 26 points and 15 rebounds. James Harden contributed 23 points and 17 assists, pivotal in orchestrating the team’s offensive plays. “I’ll do whatever it takes,” Zubac remarked. “It’s about making the right reads and being patient.”

Despite getting off to a hot start with 42 points in the first quarter, the Clippers faced challenges in the second half as the Jazz initially built a 12-point lead. Jordan Clarkson, who scored a team-high 24 points for Utah, propelled the Jazz’s early offense by hitting seven of their first nine three-point attempts.

The Clippers found their rhythm late in the second quarter, reclaiming the lead with a strong performance, including an alley-oop jam by Drew Eubanks. The team went into halftime with a slim 58-56 advantage.

With an eight-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, the Clippers maintained control of the game. Amir Coffey sealed the victory by sinking a corner three-pointer with just under three minutes left, giving them an ultimately safe lead.

“It’s about confidence,” Harden said of the team’s performance. “Studying the game as it goes helps us adapt and take what the defense gives us.”

Though Eubanks left the game with a left ankle sprain in the second quarter, having contributed four points and three rebounds in the process, the Clippers are optimistic about their upcoming schedule. They are set to travel for an eight-game road trip, starting Thursday against the Jazz in Utah.

A highlight for the Clippers in their recent trades is the acquisition of veteran guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. He was unable to play against the Jazz as he continues to work on his conditioning after missing six games for personal reasons. Coach Lue expressed enthusiasm for Bogdanovic’s potential impact. “He’ll be a shooter and gives me a runner coming off screens,” Lue noted.

Zubac also shared his excitement about the new addition, stating, “You can see when he plays for Serbia that he’s a complete player, not just a scorer.” Bogdanovic himself expressed eagerness to integrate into the team, highlighting the opportunity to play alongside stars like Harden. “I’m ready. This is one of the best organizations in the league,” he stated.