In a scintillating showdown between cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers bested the Los Angeles Clippers on November 1, 2023, in a game that will be etched in the annals of the storied Lakers-Clippers rivalry.
The Lakers emerged victorious in overtime, triumphing with a final score of 130-125 in overtime. The Los Angeles Lakers ended the Los Angeles Clippers’ 11-game rivalry winning streak, but it was the lead-up and the controversy that accompanied this clash that made it an unforgettable spectacle.
Westbrook’s Pregame Snub
Before the tip-off, all eyes were on the Lakers’ Russell Westbrook as he purposely refrained from shaking hands with his former teammate and now Clippers’ star, LeBron James. Westbrook’s unexpected and deliberate avoidance of the pre-game handshake added an intriguing subplot to the already intense rivalry. The reasons behind this move remained shrouded in mystery, but it undoubtedly fueled pre-game speculation and post-game discussions. Russell was motivated and went on to score a near double-double with 24 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals.
Controversial Missed Calls and NBA Acknowledgment
Once the action began, the officiating took center stage. The game between the Lakers and Clippers featured a series of missed calls, and the fallout was immediate. Among the controversial incidents were missed calls involving fouls and travel violations that stirred passionate reactions from players and fans alike.
The NBA did not shy away from acknowledging the missed calls, as reported by Sports Illustrated. This acknowledgment added a layer of intrigue and controversy to the game, leaving fans on both sides with plenty to talk about. In the “Last two-minute report” includes three missed calls, two favored the Clippers and one favored the Lakers:
- With 1:43 remaining when Bones Hyland was whistled for a foul on on Cam Reddish. The NBA admits that “Hyland makes contact with the ball and cleanly dislodges it from Reddish” which should not have been called a foul – Advantage Lakers.
- With 1:50 left to go in overtime when Ivica Zubac made contact with the ball before it went out of bounds, which the officials did not see. Possession should have been awarded to the Lakers – Advantage Clippers.
- With six seconds remaining, Zubac should have been called for an offensive foul against Anthony Davis – Advantage Clippers.
Stats and Star Performances
On the court, star performances were abundant. Lakers’ LeBron James led the way with a spectacular display, tallying an impressive 35 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds in over 42 minutes. What happened to his 30-min limit? Went out the door! His co-stars, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell, also played a pivotal role, contributing 27 points to the Lakers’ cause. To close the game, Austin Reeves proved invaluable with his assist to James for a dunk and one to Cam Reddish for a final dunk.
For the Clippers, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard were forces to be reckoned with, notching 35 and 38 points, respectively. The game’s high-stakes atmosphere brought out the best in these marquee players.
Key Players Missing
Notably, two prominent names were absent from this electrifying showdown. The Clippers missed the services of James Harden, while Taurean Prince was sidelined for the Lakers. Despite their absence, the game delivered the drama and excitement expected from this fierce rivalry.
A Memorable Clash
The Lakers’ overtime victory over the Clippers on November 1, 2023, will be remembered as one of the classic matchups between these two Los Angeles powerhouses. The final score only tells part of the story, as it was the pre-game snub, the controversial officiating, and the heroic performances of star players that made this game a must-watch event for basketball fans.
As the season progresses, the Lakers and Clippers rivalry is sure to continue providing enthralling and contentious battles, each chapter adding new layers to their storied history. Whether you wear purple and gold or cheer for the Clippers, these games consistently showcase the electric, intense, and unforgettable nature of basketball in Los Angeles.
