As they searched for ways to free themselves of an early-game hole that forced them to overcome the third-largest opening-quarter comeback of the NBA’s play-by-play era, the L.A. Clippers awakened from their slumber in a relatable way: “sizzling-hot coffey.” In enough of a heatwave to help turn a 26-point deficit into an improbable tie with a half-quarter remaining, Amir Coffey works patiently after a tight pick-and-roll, swinging the ball back towards midcourt to reset the offense. Swift in relocating towards the left 3-point wing before Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs’ defense could communicate its switch, Coffey frees himself for a catch-and-shoot triple, helping kickstart a game-changing 18-2 run. In what ultimately became quite the way for the Clippers to win their first game at Intuit Dome, Coffey made himself catalyst No. 1 off the bench. By game’s end, the sixth-year forward’s final tally included 21 points (on 8-of-10 shooting), six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and a game-high five 3-pointers. · Nov 5, 2024