sports

South Bay Lakers Edge Clippers 122-119 to Open Playoffs

South Bay Lakers, the G League Western Conference top seed, edged the San Diego Clippers 122‑119 in a close first‑round game, thanks to key plays from Chris Mañon and a 21‑point effort from Malik Williams and Drew Timme.

The South Bay Lakers, who clinched the top seed in the Western Conference with a 26‑10 record, won 122‑119 over the San Diego Clippers in a tight first‑round playoff game. Chris Mañon finished with seven points and a decisive steal with 10.4 seconds left, while Malik Williams and Drew Timme each scored 21 points. Kobe Bufkin added 20 points and five assists, and Nick Smith Jr. contributed 18 points off the bench.

With the win, the Lakers advance to face the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the next round. The series will begin Friday at 7:00 p.m. and can be streamed on Prime Video.