Pope of Basketball.

Summary

Ku Li demonstrated strong basketball IQ by executing Yang Rui's strategy, covering for the big man while Chandler attacked the rim. Griffin, positioned on the baseline, was a reliable option for passing, testing the Kings' defense. Chandler set a screen for Ku Li, enabling a successful pass that led to Griffin scoring. The Kings' coach, Mike Malone, faced challenges with his team's defensive capabilities, as Cousins struggled with turnovers despite his playmaking attempts. Griffin's mid-range game flourished, leading to multiple successful shots, while Thompson's offensive shortcomings were evident. The Clippers' strategy relied on Chandler's cuts, creating opportunities for both Griffin and Ku Li. Malone recognized the Clippers' unorthodox playstyle, contrasting with his rigid tactics, which ultimately led to a timeout. In the second quarter, Griffin returned to lead a strong bench lineup, dominating the Kings' defense. The Kings attempted to mimic the Clippers' small-ball approach but struggled to keep pace, resulting in a widening point gap.

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