What is cryptocurrency and how do I avoid scams when investing?

• February 25, 2025

After a Maryland teacher died by apparent suicide while under investigation for alleged financial fraud and child sex abuse, investors across six states told The Baltimore Sun Justin Rieger had invested their money in the cryptocurrency market.

The Sun interviewed two crypto experts about what cryptocurrency is, what investors should know about digital currencies, and why they can be riskier than traditional investments.

Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald is the host of “The Crypto Fitz Show and Podcast” where he decodes complicated financial terms. Daren Firestone is a partner at Levy Firestone Muse, where his practice focuses on representing whistleblowers in the crypto industry. Their answers have been edited for space and clarity.

Is crypto a digital stock market?

FITZ: Sort of. Stock markets are numerous and very different around the world. In the U.S. we have the Dow, S&P 500, NASDAQ, Russell 2000, and many others. Traditional stock markets are closed more hours than they are open. The crypto market is a worldwide 24/7 marketplace with all buying and selling out of the same pool of assets.

FIRESTONE: There are digital markets, called exchanges, where you can buy and sell crypto. These markets are similar to stock markets. However, the question of whether crypto is similar to stock is a matter of great controversy. Courts have decided whether cryptocurrencies are securities [and stocks are a type of security] on a case-by-case basis. Nearly every court has decided that the crypto it analyzed was a security. But the Securities and Exchange Commission is currently rethinking whether it agrees with these courts. The decision it makes will affect how crypto is regulated.

Is crypto investing risky? Why?

FITZ: Crypto investing is very volatile because of its accessibility to billions of people simultaneously around the world, yet no different than the risk of traditional finance markets that always go up and down.

FIRESTONE: Most crypto companies do not release audited financial statements. Some do not reveal the identities of their executives. Some have no home offices. Many are located in jurisdictions where there is little recourse if your money is stolen. So, it’s difficult to know what you’re investing in, and if you’re ripped off, it’s hard to get your money back. Also, cryptocurrencies are easy to create and often hyped by paid celebrities or crypto-influencers [who often don’t reveal their compensation]. That means there are a lot of unverifiable claims made by people with large followings. Finally, cryptocurrencies often have large, rapid and unpredictable price swings that are more likely to be tied to a tweet than to business fundamentals.

Why don’t you need a license to trade crypto?

FITZ: Exchanges and money service companies need licenses to trade crypto but individual retail investors do not if they are trading peer to peer.

FIRESTONE: Who qualifies as a broker-dealer under the securities laws and, therefore, must register with the SEC is another matter of great controversy that turns on whether cryptocurrencies are securities. Generally speaking, underwriters, brokers, market makers and other dealers doing business in securities in the United States must register as broker-dealers. But if a cryptocurrency is not a security, then no registration with the SEC is necessary.

Why does the value of crypto change?

FITZ: Cryptocurrencies are no different than a stock. Many variables affect the price including market cap, number of tokens [or digital currency] issued, what the utility is of the crypto [how easily you can trade the currency], is there a buzz about the token and what personnel are behind the project. Remember, the only truly decentralized [meaning not owned by a company but instead by users] crypto commodity is bitcoin with a capped supply of 21 million with no company or employees. Just millions of computer nodes around the world running the immutable, cross border, peer-to-peer network.

FIRESTONE: The value of crypto, like anything else, is equal to what someone will pay for it. In general, people pay more for crypto when they think they will be able to sell it at an even higher price. Many factors enter into that determination, including market trends, world events, interest rates, endorsements, strategic partnership announcements, etc. This is true for stocks as well. The main difference is that the price of a stock is typically somewhat related to the company’s expected future earnings. In crypto, that is rarely the case.

Can you trace where crypto investments go?

FITZ: Yes. Each transaction on a blockchain has a unique algorithm identifier of letters and numerals. An individual has a send and receive key unique to that person [similar to a digital password] and the only way to connect the private keys to that person is if their private key has been revealed.

FIRESTONE: It is very difficult to trace crypto, especially when someone wants to cover their crypto tracks. To trace, you need to know how to use often complicated or expensive crypto tracing software. Even if you are a crackerjack tracer, criminals who want to hide their tracks have numerous tricks at their disposal to throw you off, including, mixers, security enhanced tokens, chain-hoping, over-the-counter transactions, using non-Know Your Customer exchanges [which are required to verify the identity of customers’ financial companies or exchanges], and so on. There’s a reason why crypto is the preferred currency of money launderers, sanctions evaders, cybercriminals, corrupt politicians and so many other criminals: It’s difficult to follow the money.

Have a news tip? Contact Riley Gutiérrez McDermid at [email protected], 443-571-6987 or on X as @rileymcd.

​ Orange County Register 

‘Puppy Mountain’: A cliff that looks like a puppy resting beside the Yangtze River delights in China

• February 25, 2025

By ELSIE CHEN

When Shanghai-based designer Guo Qingshan posted a vacation photo on Valentine’s Day and captioned it “Puppy Mountain,” it became a sensation in China and even created a tourist destination.

Guo had gone on a hike while visiting his hometown of Yichang in central China’s Hubei province in late January. When reviewing the photos, he saw something he hadn’t noticed before: A mountain shaped like a dog’s head rested on the ground next to the Yangtze River, its snout perched at the water’s edge.

“It was so magical and cute. I was so excited and happy when I discovered it,” Guo said.

“The puppy’s posture is like it’s drinking water, or it’s looking at some fish. It also looks like it’s quietly protecting the Yangtze River,” he said.

Guo’s post on Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, received 120,000 likes within 10 days. On the media platform Weibo, the hashtag #xiaogoushan — Chinese for “Puppy Mountain” — drew millions of views.

Dog owners started to post pictures of their dogs to see which one had the closest resemblance. Many people traveled directly to the location in Yichang to see the mountain for themselves and some even brought their dogs to take photos.

“Puppy Mountain here I am!” one social media user wrote on RedNote along with photos of the mountain. “Just stroke the puppy’s head and then everything will be OK.” Another social media user commented: “We all need the eyes to see the beauty in this world.”

Yang Yang, who lives about an hour and half from the location, drove there with her friends and her 2-year-old grey poodle named Yang Keyi.

“I was really happy to see the mountain,” she said. “I always travel with my dog if possible, so Puppy Mountain and my own little dog really match.”

The mountain is in Yichang’s Zigui County, where it can be seen from an observation deck. The Yangtze River, the longest river in China and the third-longest river in the world, flows through the mountainous area.

After Guo’s photo went viral, many people shared photos of the view they previously had taken from the same deck, many saying they hadn’t realized it looked like a dog. Some discussed how the dog’s appearance has changed over the years.

Yichang resident Shi Tong said he knew he had seen the mountain before, and posted a photo he took of the location in 2021.

“After I saw the Puppy Mountain photo online, I tried to look up where it is. And then I realized that I have been to this place before. I thought it looked like a dog at that time too!”

​ Orange County Register 

San Diego County Coastal Areas and Orange County Coast under a dense fog advisory until Tuesday morning

• February 25, 2025

San Diego County Coastal Areas and Orange County Coast are under a dense fog advisory which was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 2:28 a.m. The advisory is in effect until 9 a.m.

The NWS San Diego CA states to prepare for, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”

“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” the NWS said. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

Fog safety: Tips from the NWS for safe travels

If a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility often drops to just a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip.

If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Moderate your speed:

Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If you have fog lights, use them.

Avoid high-beams:

Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep a safe distance:

Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.

Stay in your lane:

Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.

Visibility near zero:

In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.

Limited parking options:

If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these precautions from the NWS, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.

​ Orange County Register 

Best pacifier clip

• February 25, 2025

Which is the best pacifier clip?

Parents of young children have a lot to keep track of. When packing up to go somewhere, food, diapers and a change of clothes are essential. But a pacifier can be a figurative lifesaver. It also can be easily dropped or lost.

That is why pacifier clips are a great addition to every parent’s packing list. Pacifier clips keep the pacifier where it is supposed to be — close to the child and away from dirty floors. There are several styles of pacifier clips and many modern designs.

What to know before you buy a pacifier clip

There are different styles of pacifier clips

There are three main styles of pacifier clips. The standard straight-cut rectangular clip is simple but often includes unique designs for matching with car seats and pacifiers. Some pacifier clips are beaded which can also serve a dual purpose as teething beads. Pay close attention to reviews of beaded pacifier clips to make sure none have been recalled for potential choking hazards. A third style is a braided ropelike design that is rugged and also can serve as a teether.

There are different pacifier clips

The two main clip choices are metal or plastic. Metal clips are more durable, but some run the risk of rusting if they get wet. Plastic clips can crack or chip more easily, but they are smoother and can get wet. Most manufacturers design the clips with smooth surfaces to ensure they don’t snag your car seat or the child’s clothing.

There are safety standards for pacifier clips

Pacifiers in general fall under safety standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Pacifier clips are not in the same category, but they are held to the same standards when it comes to child safety. Look for products from trusted brand names that include safety certifications.

What to look for in a quality pacifier clip

Length

The standard length for pacifier clips is usually 7 to 8 inches, although a few models have a 9-inch length. The key is to make sure that the clip cannot wrap around the entire circumference of the child’s neck. Shorter pacifier clips might be a better option for smaller children.

Material

The full clip ensemble usually is made from plastic, leather, cotton or linen. Some beaded products have a rubberized surface. Since the pacifier clip will be near your child — and many children use them as a nearby teether — be sure that the material is something that can be easily cleaned and that you are comfortable putting in your child’s mouth.

Design

There are many designs available for pacifier clips. Some are intended to match pacifiers from the same manufacturer. Others blend in with the design of car seats or perhaps a nursery. There are many options available, so if matching colors and patterns is important to you, there likely is an available pacifier clip. Simple solid-color options are also plentiful.

How much you can expect to spend on pacifier clips

Pacifier clips range from $1-$6 per clip. The price variation is based on how many clips come in a bulk set, as well as the overall design and materials used to manufacture the clips.

Pacifier clip FAQ

How long will my child have to use a pacifier clip?

A. Most babies are able to reach and hold on to their pacifier around 6 months old. Pacifier clips are still a convenient way to keep the pacifier from falling to the ground or coming in contact with other items, so some parents may want to use them longer.

Are pacifier clips dangerous for babies?

A. In general, pacifier clips are not a high risk for your child. You should pay attention to the length of the clip as it should never be long enough to wrap around the full circumference of your child’s neck. Additionally, any designs that include beads or break-off pieces should be avoided because of the choking risk.

What’s the best pacifier clip to buy?

Top pacifier clip

Itzy Ritzy Silicone Pacifier Clip

What you need to know: This silicone pacifier clip is good for those who are looking for alternatives to fabric clips.

What you’ll love: It’s crafted with food-grade silicone that’s soft and easy to clean. Due to the high-quality materials, the clip is also unlikely to rust.

What you should consider: These are a little bit heavier than some other pacifier clips, and only one clip comes in the package for the price.

Worth checking out

MAM 2 Clips for Pacifiers With Fasteners and Flexible Rings

What you need to know: This two-pack of versatile clips can fit any pacifier.

What you’ll love: They’re made with BPS- and BPA-free plastic silicone material. They fasten easily to a baby’s clothes, and the flexible ring has a universal fit.

What you should consider: The clip doesn’t stay on very well (according to some reviews).

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

​ Orange County Register 

Best portable computer monitor

• February 25, 2025

Which portable computer monitor is best?

Portable computer monitors offer an excellent way for users to connect their laptops to a display, no matter where they are. However, ensuring you get one that works with your laptop’s hardware is vital. Portable computer monitors have different details worth looking out for, and you may need to prioritize things like size, connectivity and the display, depending on your usage.

If you’re in need of a reliable portable computer monitor, the ViewSonic 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor With full HD 1080p Display features a vivid display and connects via USB-C ports.

What to know before you buy a portable computer monitor

Use

How you plan to use your portable computer monitor will determine which model is best for you. While most portable monitors work well with a laptop, you can also find monitors that connect to other devices. In addition, if you plan on performing standard tasks that aren’t visually intensive, you can likely get away with a more basic monitor. However, if you want to play games or edit a lot of images or videos, you should get one with a higher refresh rate and full HD resolution.

Size

Portable monitors vary in size, but those made for connecting with laptops tend to fall between 12-17 inches. But depending on your monitor use, you may need a larger or smaller size. While smaller monitors tend to be even more portable, larger monitors afford more space for those who need to edit visual media, gaming, or other activities that work better on a larger display.

Portable monitors vs. regular monitors

Portable monitors often cost as much as regular low- and midrange monitors, which surprises many people. Portable monitors must be super energy-efficient because they’re powered by USB. They’re also constrained by their smaller size, making it hard to fit as much hardware as in a regular-sized monitor.

What to look for in a quality portable computer monitor

Screen

Like regular monitors, portable monitors vary in overall color, size, resolution, refresh rate and additional features, like in-plane switching (IPS.) If you plan to use it for gaming, it’s crucial to find a portable monitor with a full HD resolution of 1920 by 1080p and a refresh rate of at least 60 hertz. In addition, IPS can give colors a more authentic representation than displays without this feature.

Connectivity

One of the most critical factors of any monitor is how you connect it to your computer or device. Most portable screens now include USB-C ports that connect to other devices, while other monitors may have include different USB types, Mini HDMI or Mini Displayport.

Power

Portable computer monitors can get power in various ways. While premium monitors may include a built-in rechargeable battery, most options get power from the computer or from an AC adapter and wall outlet. If you need a particular type of power source for your monitor, it’s worth double-checking the listing before making a purchase.

How much you can expect to spend on a portable computer monitor

Cheap portable monitors without full HD screens can cost as little as $100. Most mid-tier and high-end portable monitors with full HD resolution range from $160-$300.

Portable computer monitor FAQ

Are portable computer monitors good for gaming?

A. While regular monitors pack a stronger punch due to their hardware and size, portable monitors are often a good solution for gaming on the go. Still, it’s essential to look for portable monitors with high refresh rates and a full HD resolution of at least 1920 by 1080p.

Can you use a portable computer monitor with a tablet?

A. Most portable monitors are designed for laptops, but you can also use them with tablets with the right hardware. Make sure you have the same connectivity options for your tablet and monitor; USB-C is the most common. Some Android tablets also have a Mini HDMI port, making them even easier to use as second monitors. Still, not every tablet supports this function, so it’s crucial to check the description.

What’s the best portable computer monitor to buy?

Top portable computer monitor

ViewSonic 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor With full HD 1080p Display

What you need to know: This powerful portable monitor includes multiple connectivity options, a colorful low-latency display, a headphone port and built-in stereo speakers.

What you’ll love: The structure of this monitor includes a built-in stand and cover. The screen offers a 60-Hz refresh rate and 1920 by 1080p resolution. It includes two USB-C ports, so you can power it from a laptop or the AC adapter. It also has a Mini-HDMI port.

What you should consider: Some had a hard time dialing in this monitor’s color contrast.

Top portable computer monitor for the money

Asus ZenScreen 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor With USB 3.0 And Mounts For Tripod

What you need to know: If you want a portable monitor that connects easily to a laptop, this features a USB 3.0 cable and is slim enough to pack for transit.

What you’ll love: The screen has a vivid display, a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a resolution of 1366 by 768p. It uses a USB-A to USB 3.0 cable for power and comes with a convenient stand, a protective sleeve and universal tripod mounts.

What you should consider: The USB 3.0 port is a lot less universal and practical than USB-A, USB-C or mini-HDMI ports.

Worth checking out

Lepow 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor With full HD 1080p Display and USB 3.0

What you need to know: This economy-level monitor boasts an impressive display with a high-dynamic range and a 15.6-inch screen. It offers a good balance between size and portability.

What you’ll love: This thin monitor weighs less than most and is just 0.3 inches wide. It has a standard refresh rate of 60 Hz and a resolution of 1920 by 1080p, with both USB-C and mini-HDMI ports.

What you should consider: This doesn’t include any audio options.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

​ Orange County Register 

El Dorado girls water polo opts out of CIF SoCal Regional to support multi-sport athletes

• February 25, 2025

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El Dorado’s girls water polo team declined an automatic bid to the CIF Southern California Regional this week to allow its multi-sport athletes to join their spring sports, Golden Hawks girls water polo coach Karly Carazo said Monday.

The Golden Hawks (17-12) qualified for the regional for the first time by claiming the CIF-SS Division 5 title with a 16-4 win against Santa Paula at Mt. SAC on Saturday. It was El Dorado’s first section title in girls water polo.

“I have a lot of multi-sport athletes who have already missed part of their spring seasons,” said Carazo, who completed her first season as the head coach. “We felt (opting out) was best for the team to focus on CIF being the capstone to our season.”

El Dorado starters Kaleyna Chun, Hayden Sparks and Gisselle Ramirez are multi-sport athletes who compete in spring sports such as lacrosse, softball and track.

Sparks, a sophomore, scored seven goals in the final. Chun, a senior, added five. Ramirez, a sophomore, plays goalie.

Santa Paula (17-13) took El Dorado’s spot in the regional and opens the tournament Tuesday by playing host San Pedro at Rio Mesa High in Division III. Santa Paula is seeded third in the division.

All regional matches start at 5 p.m. unless noted.

Also in Division III on Tuesday, No. 8 and CIF-SS Division 6 champion Anaheim (12-10) plays at Cathedral Catholic at 3:30 p.m. Cathedral Catholic win Division 2 in San Diego.

Five county teams are in Division I, which also begins Tuesday.

Here are the matchups for the top division: No. 8 Carlsbad at No. 1 Oaks Christian, No. 5 The Bishop’s vs. No. 4 Orange Lutheran (23-4) at Santiago Canyon College, No. 6 Laguna Beach (20-11) at No. 3 Mater Dei (23-4) and No. 7 San Clemente (22-9) vs. No. 2 Newport Harbor (24-6) at Corona del Mar High at 6:30 p.m.

The Bishop’s defeated Carlsbad 10-8 for the Open title in San Diego.

The regional semifinals are Thursday with the finals Saturday at Long Beach City College.

​ Orange County Register 

Kings rally past Vegas with 4-goal 3rd period

• February 25, 2025

LOS ANGELES — The Kings entered the third period trailing on Monday night, but they exploded for four unanswered goals to topple the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights, 5-2, continuing their dominance at Crypto.com Arena.

Trevor Moore scored two goals before Warren Foegele (who also had an assist), Kevin Fiala and Joel Edmundson tacked on three more that made the difference as the Kings improved to 14-1-1 in their past 16 homes games. Quinton Byfield’s four assists gave him a single-game career high in points and Foegele added an assist as well. Darcy Kuemper made 21 saves to win his fourth consecutive decision, adding to his team’s NHL-best home points percentage (.833, 19-3-2).

Former King Brayden McNabb and captain Mark Stone each deposited a goal for Vegas, which had its three-game winning streak snapped. Ilya Samsonov halted just 14 of 19 shots. In two visits to Los Angeles this season, Samsonov stopped 35 of 46 pucks for an acrid .761 save percentage.

The Kings have now taken two of three meetings with Vegas this season, having lost 6-1 on Oct. 22 and won 6-3 on Oct. 30. Not surprisingly, the host team has won each game between two of the NHL’s best teams on home ice.

With the victory, the Kings not only won a four-point game against Pacific-topping Vegas, which now held a five-point lead over the Kings, but inched within three points of second-place Edmonton, which was idle.

“(Vegas) took us to the schoolyard a little bit [in the second period], they were faster, stronger and more competitive,” Coach Jim Hiller said. “So, we had to decide, were we just going to let them take it from us? And, clearly, the guys had a great response in the third.”

Edmundson’s slap shot with 4:32 remaining (his fifth goal this season) and Fiala’s backhand with 2:19 to play (his 23rd of the campaign) provided reassurance. Fiala now has seven goals and nine points in his last six outings.

“Coach came in and he said, ‘that’s a top-three team over there, a potential playoff opponent, too,’ so we just had to step up, and everybody did that,” said Byfield, adding of Fiala that “he’s hot, he’s scoring, we’re just trying to get him the puck.”

A backhanded connection between Byfield and Foegele nine seconds after a power play expired gave the Kings the lead for good, 8:31 into the third period. Byfield protected the puck and dragged two defenders with him before whipping a backhand pass against the grain for Foegele. He was met at the near post by a lunging Samsonov, only to head to the far post and slip the puck home off his backhand.

“The backhand pass to (Foegele) was about as good as you could make it,” Hiller said.

The Kings made it a new game a mere 42 seconds into the closing frame. Kuemper’s long clearing attempt eluded a pinching Alex Pietrangelo along the wall. The puck leaked into the neutral zone, where it was settled by Foegele for Moore, who darted ahead to deliver a short-side snipe. That marked the second goal of the game and 10th of the season for the Thousand Oaks native, who had 31 last year.

“I think he had 10 to 12 [goals] coming down the wing [last year], we just haven’t seen that from him this year, and it was just great to see,” Hiller said. “It was his second [goal of the game], and hopefully that spurs him on.”

In the second period, Vegas struck twice consecutively to hold a 2-1 lead at the intermission via goals at the 10:26 and 16:41 marks. In between tallies, Vegas defenseman Noah Hanifin also saved a score by swiping the puck off the goal line.

The visitors earned their first edge of the evening when Hanifin’s high shot was tipped underneath and through Kuemper by Stone.

The Golden Knights knotted the score when Tomáš Hertl walked off the left-wing wall and into the slot, drawing a crowd that included Byfield. He had neglected the trailing McNabb, to whom Hertl silkily slipped a pass into the high slot. McNabb’s perfectly placed shot beat Kuemper for the equalizer.

That goal gave Vegas momentum, but the Kings would quell it in the final 20 minutes, playing sharp, opportunistic hockey while the Golden Knights’ collective posture slouched.

“We shot ourselves in the foot. Soft plays, not getting pucks out, all of the above. We gave them those goals. It’s on us, it’s a bad loss by us and a bad period,” McNabb said.

The early going was all Kings as they outshot Vegas 8-2 initially, in part because they had earned the game’s first two power plays, the second of which produced the game’s first goal, 10:30 into the contest.

Byfield, who later took two penalties that the Kings killed, hammered a shot from the left circle that Moore deflected past Samsonov after grinding for position.

That goal was the difference in a period where Vegas made a late push that Kuemper beat back, channeling his inner Jonathan Quick on both sides of the Kings’ second short-handed stretch, tracking the puck expertly and dominating with his pad work.

“I could say [we were soft on our sticks] for stretches of the game, there’s no question, and Darcy was there when we were,” Hiller said.

The Kings will seek their 20th home win of the season when they close out their homestand against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.

​ Orange County Register 

Depleted Clippers fall to surging Pistons for 3rd straight loss

• February 25, 2025

DETROIT — The Clippers are still trying to find their post-All-Star break groove, but a lack of firepower was their biggest issue on Monday night.

Playing without Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell and Ben Simmons, the Clippers could not keep up with the surging Detroit Pistons down the stretch and lost their third straight game, 106-97.

Cade Cunningham had 32 points and nine rebounds, former Clipper Tobias Harris had 20 points and Jalen Duren added 12 points and 19 rebounds as the Pistons won their seventh straight game. Ausar Thompson added 10 points and five steals.

James Harden had 18 points, 12 rebounds and five assists (but seven turnovers) for the Clippers (31-26), who conclude their four-game Midwestern trip on Wednesday night in Chicago. Ivica Zubac had 13 points, 16 boards, five assists and three blocked shots, while Derrick Jones Jr. added 15 points and Kris Dunn had 13 points, five rebounds and five steals.

Bogdan Bogdanovic had 13 points and five assists but endured a frustrating night. He missed seven of his first 10 shots, including all five 3-point attempts, and left the game midway through the third quarter with five fouls. He didn’t have any more success after returning in the fourth quarter, finishing 3 for 9 from the floor and 1 for 7 from 3-point range.

The Pistons (32-26), who beat the Clippers for the first time in 11 meetings, hadn’t won seven straight since January 2015 and have their best 58-game record since they were 42-16 in 2007-08 – the last year they won a playoff game.

Leading by one point, the Pistons closed the third quarter with a 10-1 run. Thompson got it started with a dunk, Harris added a dunk and a 3-pointer, then Dennis Schroder finished the period with a floater for an 85-75 lead.

A Cunningham basket with 9:13 left in the fourth made it 87-76, but the Clippers scored the next seven points, including a three-point play from Amir Coffey. The Pistons answered with field goals from Thompson and Cunningham.

A Malik Beasley corner 3-pointer gave Detroit a 96-84 lead with 2:53 lead, and Cunningham put secured the victory with a 3-pointer with 1:06 left.

The absences of Leonard (left foot soreness), Powell (left patellar tendinopathy) and Simmons (left knee injury management) meant the Clippers were without a pair of starters and a key reserve. Simmons had averaged 8.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 23.7 minutes per game.

Pistons reserve forward Simone Fontecchio missed the game after sustaining a hand injury in Sunday’s 148-145 victory over Atlanta.

UP NEXT

The Clippers will play their third game in four days when they face the Bulls on Wednesday at 5 p.m. PT in Chicago.

​ Orange County Register