LOS ANGELES — The Clippers dreamed of a parade in June, their pair of All-Stars leading the franchise to a place it had never been.
They are now one loss from a first-round exit in April, pulled closer to the brink Saturday in part through an all-too-familiar scene: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George injured and watching in street clothes.
The Clippers have not lost their resolve, players and coach Tyronn Lue echoed. But after this 112-100 defeat at Crypto.com Arena, they have lost three consecutive games to trail 3-1 in this best-of-seven series. They have lost their two best defenders and offensive creators, with no timetable for either's return, the Clippers offering no other update than Leonard and George remain "day to day."
