5 key things to look out for in Clippers’ 2015 season opener
By Tom West
The battle of the centers: DeAndre Jordan vs. DeMarcus Cousins
Nov 2, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) blocks a shot by Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
In the 2014-15 season, both Jordan and Cousins reached the peak of their careers so far. The Clippers’ star made the All-NBA third team and the All-Defensive first team, whilst Cousins finally received a well earned All-Star appearance and put up elite numbers across the board. Now, after seeing them approach their potential last season, we can watch them begin their 2015-16 campaign by facing off against each other.
Cousins is coming fresh off a year with averages of 24.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. So, to say that he’ll be a handful, even for an elite defender like Jordan, is a definite understatement.
And looking back to the start of last season, when the Kings and Clippers played each other just a few games into the season, Cousins exploded for 34 points on 65.2 percent shooting and 17 rebounds. That being said, Jordan was able to contain him in their final contest of the year, when Cousins shot just 31.6 percent from the field for 21 points and grabbed only 4 rebounds.
Now that DeAndre has earned his four-year, $88 million deal, his future in L.A. is set in place and he can continue his rise to defensive stardom. He’s already a two-time league leading rebounder and elite center, but the season opener against DeMarcus Cousins is the perfect test for him to start proving his worth as a max-player.