Conflict Erupts Again (Second Update!)

Staples Center was packed to the rafters that night.

Though the season was already nearing its end, the fans' enthusiasm for basketball had not faded.

The Clippers players were eager for a win, and Los Angeles fans felt the same way.

The Clippers' record was still unstable. They could finish anywhere from fifth to eighth.

If they met the Pelicans in the first round of the Playoffs, they would have a huge psychological advantage. The same would apply in the Conference Semifinals and Finals.

Even if they did not meet, being the only team to sweep League First would be enough for them to brag about for a while.

Amid the fans' cheers, the starters for both sides were introduced one after another.

Just as Stevens had said before the game, Ariza remained in the Pelicans' starting lineup.

For the Clippers, Beverley and Redick were on the perimeter, Pierce and Griffin at forward, and Jordan at center.

Davis won the tip-off against Jordan, opening the game.

Jokic ran High Post Playmaking. Tang Tian cut inside for the ball and went up for a layup, but Pierce immediately collapsed from the weak side for a double-team.

Knowing Ariza had a poor shooting touch, the Clippers committed firmly to the double-team.

Tang Tian made a beautiful Look-away Pass to Ariza.

Ariza took a Catch-and-shoot three-pointer.

"Clang!"

The three-pointer bounced off the rim.

Shooting touch was not something you could necessarily recover just by putting in extra practice.

Rivers nodded with satisfaction from the sideline.

Stevens was rather stubborn, so Rivers would seize that weakness and take down the Pelicans in one go!

"The Pelicans should make an adjustment."

Miller spoke from the Commentary Booth.

Ariza's shooting touch was truly awful, and that would do serious damage to the Pelicans' offense.

Breen said