With Luke Kennard entering Health and Safety Protocols just before tipoff, the Clippers injury report reached nine players deep, including seven regular rotation players. The shorthanded Clippers squad fought back to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 120-116, Saturday night.
The Clippers started strong, but lost steam in the first quarter as the injury-depleted roster showed its weariness. The lineup that closed the first quarter featured five players who, as recently as two weeks ago, did not hold consistent spots in the rotation (including three “hardship-exception” ten-day contracts). The Clippers, who led by as much as ten points, headed into the second quarter trailing 29-30.