Postgame Notebook: Hawes Hurt, Forwards Closer, More

Rowan Kavner

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Spencer Hawes’ night finished early against the Wizards.

The Clippers’ center got time in the first quarter with DeAndre Jordan in early foul trouble, but he wasn’t able to finish the quarter or the game after bruising his left knee.

“I initially came down on someone’s foot and thought I just twisted my ankle,” Hawes said. “But I came down and twisted my knee pretty good.”

Hawes played six minutes before leaving, hitting a free throw and blocking one shot. X-rays were negative on the injury. The Clippers don’t believe he has ligament damage, but he has not yet gotten an MRI. Hawes could tell immediately after the injury that his night was done, walking straight to the locker room.

“I knew right then that would be the end for a little bit,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll figure out more tomorrow what’s going on and go from there.”

Hawes, who’s averaging 6.6 points and 4.5 assists in 17.5 minutes per game this season, is at least grateful it’s not more serious. He said the last time he hurt that knee was in high school.

“Initially, you do something like that, when it goes that way you fear the worst,” Hawes said. “But they did the test for the ligaments and stuff and said that’s good. That helps you out a little bit.”

As for the ankle, Hawes said that will be fine. He said when the ankle twisted, it stayed in the same position and led to the knee buckling.

“It’s frustrating when you’re feeling good and feeling like you’re finally getting in a rhythm, but that happens,” Hawes said. “That’s basketball. You bounce back and do what you can.”

Small Forwards Close

While Hawes is out, two Clippers players could be making their return any day.

Chris-Douglas Roberts (Achilles) and Reggie Bullock (ankle) both missed Friday’s game against the Wizards but could be back as soon as tomorrow against the Bucks.

“I think they’re very close,” said head coach Doc Rivers. “I wouldn’t be shocked to see them tomorrow. I’m not saying that, but I wouldn’t be shocked.”

Deep Problem

The 3-point shot that had guided the Clippers throughout their win streak failed them Friday night.

The Wizards entered the game as the only team in the league with a better 3-point percentage than the Clippers. Washington shot 56.3 percent from deep, while the Clippers shot 30 percent, only making six shots from behind the arc.

Rivers has said the long-range success has been a result of better ball movement. The Clippers had made at least nine 3-pointers every game throughout the win streak until Wednesday, when they made seven as they squeaked out a win. They weren’t as fortunate Friday.

“I thought we wanted to play a slow-down, walk-the-ball up game,” Rivers said after the loss. “That’s not who we are. Maybe because we’re tired, I don’t know.”

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