Clippers pick up defensive intensity

The Clippers are starting to pick up their defensive intensity.

In each their last four games, the Clippers have held opponents below 100 points and less than 46% shooting from the field.

It’s no wonder the Clippers won every one of those games.

The Clippers held the Houston Rockets to 93 points on 44.4% shooting, including 32% on three-pointers.

They held the New Orleans Pelicans to 76 points on 32.9% shooting, including 13.6% on three-pointers.

The Clippers held the Phoenix Suns to 96 points on 45.3% shooting, including 36.8% on three-pointers.

They then held the Lakers to 94 points on 39.5% shooting, including 26.7% on three-pointers.

“They are starting to believe in our defense and being in the right spots,” Clippers Coach Doc Rivers said. “What I like now is every time one of them is not there, they point at themselves right away. They know it.

“I’d prefer them not to do that and to be there. But they are getting there and they are taking ownership when they don’t. And that’s a good thing for us.”