Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Doc Rivers calls out Danilo Gallinari after Game 3 blowout

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 4/19/19

The Los Angeles Clippers entered Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors in good spirits. They had just pulled off the greatest comeback in NBA postseason history.

Those good feelings were quickly replaced with the uneasiness of realizing they were taking on the two-time defending champs.

When all was said and done inside the Staples Center Thursday night, Golden State defeated the Clippers by the score of 132-105. It’s a game that saw one of the team’s top players, Danilo Gallinari, shoot 0-of-8 from three-point range.

One day after the humiliating defeat, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers called Gallinari out in a big way.

Doc Rivers said if Danilo Gallinari doesn't play better, the Clippers have no chance of winning in this series. Rivers said the responsibility falls on both Gallinari and him to get him going.
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) April 19, 2019

Rivers is in no way wrong here. They need Gallinari to stretch the court and compete with Golden State out in the perimeter. His 0-of-8 mark from distance in Game 3 really hurt the Clippers.

Gallinari also know that full well, as the forward said after Los Angeles’ 27-point loss:

Gallinari last night didn't deflect when I asked about his shooting (0-8 from 3). "Not a good night. It was me. Most of the three-point shot that were wide open, I've just got to make them." https://t.co/dOg0ikh01C
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) April 19, 2019

The 11-year veteran had connected on 6-of-12 from distance over the course of the first two games. The Clippers will need this in Game 4 Sunday if they plan to avoid Golden State taking a 3-1 series lead.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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