The Los Angeles Clippers flexed their muscles on Wednesday, as they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 111-106, in the Christmas Day matchup.
One of the more prominent personalities who was left impressed by the Clippers' outstanding performance was none other than Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas. The legendary point guard strongly believes the Clippers have three of the most formidable defenders in the league today in Patrick Beverley, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard:
The @LAClippers have the 3 best perimeter defenders in the league on one team @patbev21 @Yg_Trece @kawhileonard
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) December 26, 2019
It's hard to argue against Thomas' message here, as all three guys definitely put out some tremendous work on the defensive end against the Lakers. Leonard, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner, cleaned up the glass for the Clippers, with a game-high 12 rebounds (nine on the defensive end), to go along with a game-high 35 points (11-of-19 from the field, 8-of-8 from the stripe), five assists, and a steal in 38 minutes of action.
Kawhi's partner in crime, Paul George, struggled with his shot but impressed defensively, logging 17 points (5-of-18 from the field, 6-of-6 from the line), five rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. For his part, feisty point guard Patrick Beverly's defensive chops were on full display again on Christmas Day, with the two-time All-Defensive team member coming up with a game-deciding deflection of Lakers superstar LeBron James in the dying seconds.
While the Lakers have been the more impressive team throughout the season — they currently lead the West with a 24-7 record — this is now the Clippers' second victory against them in this campaign. At this point, it appears that the Clippers have the upper hand in the battle for Los Angeles.
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