The Boston Celtics had no answers to the Los Angeles Clippers’ barrage on Monday night, ending the California road trip with a 140-115 loss.
Despite moving Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley and others at the NBA trade deadline, the Clippers are still seeded sixth in the Western Conference with a 39-29 record. Between their two matchups against the Celtics, both coming after the major moves, Los Angeles has outscored Boston by 36 points.
Although Boston’s defense deserved part of the blame on Monday, Brad Stevens felt the Clippers earned the win. While their continued success may surprise some, Stevens doesn’t appear to be in that camp because of his opinion of Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, who Stevens thinks could with Coach of the Year honors, which he expressed to reporters in Los Angeles.
I definitely—I mean, there [are] so many great candidates. It feels like every night you’re playing against a new one. We’ve got Sacramento next. You just go on down the list. But nobody’s done a better job than Doc. I mean, he’s done an amazing job, he’s an amazing coach and he looks like he’s having a blast with this team. That’s the other thing. Like I said before, it’s hard to find that group that plays that well together and plays with that kind of intensity. I’m sure he’s having a blast with it and he’s doing a great, great job. As is his staff, obviously.
Los Angeles’ level of cohesion is an example of what Boston continues to strive for. While the road trip didn’t end on an ideal note, it appeared the Celtics took steps forward in their three previous West Coast three games.
