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The LA Clippers won the first Battle of Los Angeles against the LA Lakers on Tuesday during the opening night of the 2020-21 NBA season. The Clippers won behind the otherworldly performance of Paul George who had a hilarious pass that Twitter enjoyed early in the game. But George had a strong second half to help his team defeat the Lakers 116-109.
Also Read: Ranking the LA Lakers' and LA Clippers' 5 biggest signings and extensions — Who won?
LA Lakers ring ceremony before tipoff vs LA Clippers
It was a celebratory mood for the LA Lakers who received their 2019-20 championship rings on the night. Each of the Lakers’ players from last season’s title run received a ring. The newcomers such as Harrell, Dennis Schroder, and Marc Gasol could only watch as their teammates got the much-deserved reward for their hard work.
As always, Lebron’s haters and trolls came in full force trying to put down what the NBA superstar has accomplished.
Thankfully, James and the Lakers have a huge fan base supporting them as well.
As fun as it was for the LA Lakers prior to the game, the LA Clippers were all business when they took to the court. As the Lakers struggled, the Clippers could do no wrong, taking an early 22-point lead, 39-17.
There was a hilarious moment for Paul George in the first half when he made a hilarious pass to no one in the corner. Twitter, expectedly went wild with the memes after.
The Lakers came back strong in the second quarter to pull to within two at the half.
Fox Sports analyst and LeBron James fan Nick Wright was quick to ridicule the LA Clippers’ first-half meltdown.
Even ESPN’s Rachel Nichols couldn’t help but tweet her reaction.
A fan added the following tweet in jest, recalling the LA Clippers’ failure to maintain big leads during the 2020 postseason.
A 3rd quarter onslaught by the LA Lakers
The Lakers came roaring back in this game and it continued in the 3rd quarter with LeBron James taking over.
Paul George carries the LA Clippers all the way to the end
The LA Lakers run was shortlived as Paul George was on fire in the second half of this game.
In the 4th quarter, something interesting was going on between Lebron James and Kawhi Leonard. Were the two superstars really having fun or was it trash-talking? Doubtful that either of them will reveal what it was.
But ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne wasn’t so sure it was Kawhi that LeBron was talking to. The plot thickens.
The story was all Paul George in this game as the All-Star forward doused cold water on the Lakers’ ring ceremony night with an incredible shooting display. His game tonight reminded everyone that he belongs in the top tier of the league’s best players.
The final score: LA Clippers 116, LA Lakers 109
Even well-known LeBron hater Skip Bayless downplayed George’s big game.
The LA Clippers start the season on a high note and a great win for new coach Tyronn Lue. The LA Lakers start the season 0-1, reminding them that the celebration of last year’s accomplishments is over and the new season has begun.
Also Read: How much are the LA Lakers' championship rings worth?
