The Clippers is like the Nina Simone song Mississippi Goddamn. Goddamn indeed. Not the first preseason game. I am going to give that a pass because logic dictates once you do something after a couple of months you tend to lose a step for a minute. So once again I will give the first game a pass. Now Sunday night… was just horrible from start to finish. It looked like a team that uninterested in the game and just ready to get it over with. Well, I shouldn’t say the young guys, but the ones that the Team will be counting on this season.
Clippers: First Quarter
It looked like from the tip that the Lakers wanted it more than the Clippers. Yes, I know that it is preseason but the Clippers should not have started the game the way that they did. They should be the last team to do that. They even started their three best defenders for the first nine minutes of the game. It looked like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were going through the motions on both ends of the floor. Kawhi at one point drove to the basket and threw the ball to halfcourt to Casper. The Lakers could get anything they wanted.
It looked like a superhighway to the basket. People just cutting and dribbling to the paint for lay-ups, lobs, and kick-outs. At one point Jared Dudley started to drive past Zubac as he assisted a Quinn Cook three-pointer, like come on now. No offense to Jared Dudley but he might be one of the slowest basketball players I’ve ever seen. He might be slower than Mark Jackson, but goddamn. The Lakers almost dropped 40 on them in the first quarter.
Second Quarter
The Clippers had a better start in the second quarter. Lou Williams was doing his thing, most of his points came during this quarter. Also, another player that was playing pretty well at the start of the quarter was Terance Mann. He started off with a three-pointer, followed by an assist to Lou, then an assist to Zubac in three consecutive possessions. He also had a nice little dunk as well. Toward the end of the second quarter, the starting unit came back in and they went on a bit of a run and showed minor flashes of what they could have been.
Third and Fourth Quarter
It was all Lakers for the rest of the game. Talen Horton-Tucker took over both quarters. Driving to the basket and hitting step backs to the tune of 33 points and 10 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma also chipped in with 25 points. Amir Coffey was another player that stood out. Even though he had only eight points in the game he did have a lot of energy and effort last night. Which was sorely missed last night. It was getting so out of hand that Kawhi and Paul George did not make a cameo in the second half and if they did I sure missed it.
What Have We Learned About The Clippers
The Clippers have a lot more work to do. While the Lakers seem to have their bench figured out. The same cannot be said for the Clippers, in back to back games Ty Lue played all 17 of his guys. The only thing that’s clear is the starting lineup. Nic Batum looked like he deserved some minutes. He played ok that game compared to everyone else. That was really the best he’s played since his Portland days (man that felt like ages ago right?) Lou Williams also put up 12 points up in six minutes so he was returning to his old form so that should be a good sign.
A point guard is a glaring issue. Patrick Beverley is not the answer at point guard. There was a reason why Doc Rivers last season took him out in the 4th quarter at times during the playoffs. THT and anyone who can dribble a basketball seem to be getting by him. Another liability is that he is not really a scorer and facilitator. This teams needs a Ricky Rubio type of guy. It was a problem for this team last season and it looks like it may be another problem this season.
What Is Next?
They play the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Utah will be a challenge for them judging by the way the played last night. Utah has a talented bench as well. After that, eight days from today. It will be opening night. It will have to be a short turn around for this team. They have to get to together quickly, they have a big target on their back this season. and they have a tough couple of games when the season starts.
Aren’t You Overracting?
No, there are different standards for different teams. Teams that were picking at the top of the draft are focused on player development. Other teams that just missed the playoffs are trying to push in the playoffs. Few teams are working to improve their playoff position from a season and ago. One team needs to redeem themselves sooner rather than later and the preseason can dictate how a season may possibly start. The Clippers do not have a lot of time to start sloppy.
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