Darius Garland provided a blunt evaluation after the Los Angeles Clippers’ late-game collapse in a 126-121 play-in loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday at Intuit Dome. The guard pointed on to execution points down the stretch, saying, “Contested threes. Not lots of good possessions for us.”
Garland emphasised spacing breakdowns and late-game decision-making because the momentum shifted. He added, “House was sort of tousled just a little bit with the dump from on Kawhi. That was it. However yeah, 30 did what 30 does, bro. So yeah, that’s the fourth quarter for you.”
The Clippers held a 13-point lead coming into the ultimate quarter however allowed Golden State to shut on a 16-6 run. Garland pointed to possession high quality as the important thing swing issue late within the recreation.
He mentioned, “Couple dangerous possessions for us which ended up in turnovers to Albert threes. However all people know the primary focus is on that workforce. So we’d moderately have another person beat us than him, regardless that he did do his factor down the stretch.”
Garland additionally pointed to execution gaps and restricted preparation in late-game situations. “We did take our foot off the fuel just a little bit,” he mentioned. “Simply haven’t had the time and the observe time to essentially go over these late recreation conditions. I imagine we’re simply going off all instincts and basketball data.”
Golden State’s expertise in high-pressure moments grew to become a deciding issue as Stephen Curry scored 35 factors and Al Horford added key fourth-quarter three-pointers. Garland acknowledged that distinction in closing execution.
He mentioned, “That’s the championship power that they’ve over there. We did take our foot off the fuel just a little bit.”
Regardless of the end result, Garland mirrored on the season’s turnaround after a troublesome begin for the Clippers. “It was enjoyable for the time I’ve been right here. I do know they was in a darkish gap early within the season,” he mentioned. “Truly making it this far and having the ability to be within the taking part in recreation exhibits lots of credit score to the group and training workers.”
He additionally credited the group and roster depth all year long. “All people performed their butts off they usually performed actually, actually onerous,” Garland mentioned. “All people on this group is tremendous cool. All people involves work with a smile on their face.”
Garland addressed his personal season journey after being traded midyear and coping with damage limitations. “It’s my first commerce, so I didn’t know what to essentially count on,” he mentioned. “I’m on the market on 9 toes. Not even wholesome for actual.”
Trying forward, Garland expressed confidence in his standing amongst elite guards and in his long-term function. “Simply assume I’m up there with among the prime guys on this league,” he mentioned, whereas additionally noting offseason alignment discussions with the workforce about system route and roster building.
