The NBA’s All-Star break came at an opportune time for the Clippers, who left Washington late Thursday having lost a third consecutive game for the first time this season.
There was one Clipper who might not have minded playing another game as soon as possible: Luke Kennard.
Out of the rotation for nearly three weeks, the 6-foot-5 backup guard was inserted because of withered depth Thursday and responded with 14 points, four assists and four rebounds against the Wizards, making four of five three-pointers.
In a two-point loss, the Clippers (24-14) outscored Washington by 23 points during Kennard’s 20 minutes.