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Clippers are approaching playoff picture after another comeback
Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) defends against LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. David Reginek-Imagn Images

Clippers approach playoff picture after another massive comeback

Don't look now, but the real Los Angeles Clippers may have finally stood up. After a miserable 5-16 start to the season that included the drama of sending a franchise icon home, the Clippers are playing like a team that's determined to be the contender they were supposed to be all along.

Los Angeles' "refuse to lose" mentality was most evident on Saturday night, as they completed one of the largest comebacks in franchise history to secure their ninth win in their last 11 games. 

The Clippers ended up beating the Pistons 98-92 in Detroit after trailing by as many as 19 points. Los Angeles even ended the first quarter down 28-14. 

However, an even 27-27 second session made the total score 55-41 at halftime. But before the half, the Clippers led 35-15 at one point. Then, the Clippers trailed by as much as 14 points in the fourth quarter before winning the quarter 30-16 and then the game.

Clippers decided to stay together after adversity  

Clippers forward John Collins, one of the stars of the night, put the comeback win in perspective after the game. 

“We can win when times are tough if we stay together," said Collins when asked how his team dug out of a big hole.

Collins scored 25 points in 37 minutes while also adding seven rebounds and an assist. But of course, Collins didn't do it alone; his legendary teammates stepped up when called upon as well. 

LA's top stars also helped lead the way 

Kawhi Leonard, who has been red hot as of late, most notably a 45-point outing on Jan. 1 and putting up a career-high of 55 before the turn of the new year on Dec. 28, led the team in scoring with 26, one more than Collins. Leonard brought down eight boards, too. 

James Harden contributed 19 points of his own, completing his performance with seven rebounds and seven assists. 

While impressive and one of the largest comebacks in franchise history, the 19-point comeback still pales in comparison to storming back from down 35 against the Wizards in January of 2022. For another big comeback for the franchise, the 2019 Clippers own a 31-point comeback against the Golden State Warriors in the midst of their dynasty. 

Going further back, the 2012 Clippers' comeback from a 27-point deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies in a playoff game.  

Despite their recent winning ways, the Clippers can't afford to slow down. They are still outside the playoff and play-in picture as the Western Conference's current 11th seed. 

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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