Los Angeles Clippers hold on to edge Philadelphia 76ers despite career night from Shake Milton

Benyam Kidane

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Los Angeles Clippers hold on to edge Philadelphia 76ers despite career night from Shake Milton image

The Los Angeles Clippers secured their fouth-straight win, rallying to beat the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers 136-130 at STAPLES Center.

It's the 76ers' eighth-straight loss on the road and drops them to 9-22 away from Wells Fargo Center and 37-24 on the season, while the Clippers now sit at 41-19.

Here are the key takeaways from today's game:

Clippers' depth proves too strong

The Clippers had four players score 24+ points on the night, led by Kawhi Leonard's 30 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Paul George added 24 points on 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. 

While their two stars filled it up, the difference-maker for the Clippers was their second unit, led by Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell and Reggie Jackson, who combined for 61 points.

Williams recorded 24 points and eight assists, while Harrell added 24 points and nine rebounds and Jackson 13 points.

After trailing by two points at the half, the Clippers took control in the third quarter, outscoring the 76ers 38-24. With the 76ers leading 87-80 with 7:04 left in the period, the Clippers reeled off a 28-9 run to take a 108-96 lead heading into the fourth. 

The 76ers continued to push in the final frame, cutting the deficit to 125-121 with three minutes remaining, before jumpers from Williams and Leonard put the game out of reach. 

The Shake Milton Show

In just his 12th career start, Shake Milton turned in the best performance of his NBA career, lighting up the Clippers with a career-high 39 points.

Philly got off to a hot start, making 11 of their first 13 shots, with Milton scoring 11 in the period, including seven straight at one point.

He kept it going in the second quarter, finishing the half with 26 points on 10-of-11 shooting.

The sophomore guard made 13-straight 3-pointers over the past three games, including his first game against the Clippers, tying an NBA record for consecutive 3-pointers, previously set by Brent Price and Terry Mills, per NBA Stats.

With Ben Simmons sidelined with a back injury, Milton has made the best case out of the 76ers guards to make the starting spot his for now.

His ability to create off the dribble, knock down 3s and facilitate the offence was on full display as he kept the 76ers in the game with his relentless approach.

Post-game, head coach Brett Brown recalled his conversation with Milton after the All-Star break, essentially telling the 23-year-old he was out of the rotation, crediting him for his staying ready for the moment. 

"It's a hell of a story," Brown glowingly said.

He finished the game, shooting 14-of-20 from the field and 7-of-9 from beyond the arc, adding five assists and three rebounds on the night. 

Another injury for Philly

76ers guard Josh Richardson went down with 11:17 left in the second quarter after colliding with teammate Alec Burks.

He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game with a nose contusion and concussion, leaving the 76ers with just two of their regular starters in Al Horford and Tobias Harris. 

What's next?

Both teams are back in action on Wednesday, with the 76ers remaining in Los Angeles to take on the Lakers, while the Clippers travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder.

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Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.