The Clippers showed off championship potential in Tuesday’s win over the Lakers, writes Jovan Buha of The Athletic. Although it was opening night, the game featured playoff intensity as Montrezl Harrell, Lou Williams, LeBron James and Anthony Davis were each on the court for at least 36 minutes.
With all the talent on hand, Kawhi Leonard stood out as the best player on the court, Buha states. The Clippers’ bench held a 60-19 scoring advantage and their defense took over the game after a slow start.
“We got players on the team that want to play defense,” Leonard said of the Clippers, who were missing defensive stalwarts Paul George and Rodney McGruder. “We got some big bodies, we’re long. As long as we come out and be aggressive and play with our active hands, be in spots, it’s gonna be tough for people to score on us when it’s in a half-court. So, I guess, that’s just taking pride in our defense and wanting to win the ball game. Just got them a little flustered.”
There’s more Clippers news to pass along:
- Coach Doc Rivers made a surprise decision to start veteran forward Patrick Patterson, Buha adds in the same story. Patterson had been with the third unit in nearly every practice and scrimmage that was open to the media, but he delivered when Rivers called on him Tuesday. Buha notes that the Lakers adjusted their strategy in an attempt to take advantage of Patterson guarding Davis in the post, which slowed down the offense. Rivers has promised a flexible starting lineup, so Patterson’s role may change from game to game.
- Sources tell Chris Hayes of Yahoo Sports that George, who is recovering from offseason surgery on both shoulders, is expected to make his season debut in about three weeks. That matches an earlier report in which Rivers estimated that George will miss the season’s first 10 games.
- Patrick Beverley has been fined $25K for throwing a ball into the crowd late in Tuesday’s game, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Maybe Lebron should learn from the Clippers about taking pride in defense.
Lebron takes pride in his stupidity
It’s been a few years but to be fair he’s a 6 time NBA All Defensive selection (5x 1st team), and perhaps his most memorable and signature moment in the NBA was a defensive play.
Sure he may not be dialing up his defense to the nth degree anymore but age and need for ‘rest’ on one end of the court will do that I guess.
Though Mo Harkless or Jeff Green would start at PF. They are both good defenders and can score when called upon. I took the Clippers over the Lakers but was actually surprised by how well they played together. Shamet was solid, Kawhi had a great game, Lou Will made his defender look silly. Was surprised McGee and Howard couldn’t overpower the opposite centre, they both have good height and athleticism and thought there would be lots of rebounds and second chance points on offer.
Jeff Green plays for Utah. He’s not starting there either.
The Clippers are clearly the best team in LA.
In fact, they’re easily the best team in their entire division.
They will definitely be cautious with Paul George, and he will miss more than just 10 games. He will likely miss closer to 20 games.
Montrezl Harrell, Lou Williams, LeBron James and Anthony Davis were each on the court for at least 36 minutes.
With all the talent on hand, Kawhi Leonard stood out as the best player on the court, Buha states. The Clippers’ bench held a 60-19 scoring advantage and their defense took over the game after a slow start.
This sums it up really well, what all fans that aren’t lakers already knew.
Also funny they did that without Paul George!
So! It’s 1 game! Whoopi! I’ll still pick the
Lakers!
Lmao
The Lakers havent finished above .500 since 2013. You keep picking em kid….someday you will be correct….. just not someday soon.