Ten takeaways from the LA Clippers’ first preseason game

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: DeAndre Jordan
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: DeAndre Jordan
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GREENBURGH, NY – AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Sindarius Thornwell of the Los Angeles Clippers poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY – AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Sindarius Thornwell of the Los Angeles Clippers poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The young guys had their moments

Sindarius Thornwell

Thornwell came in at the very end of the game and only played four minutes in his Clippers’ preseason debut. While he only played four minutes, the wing looked great on offense, knocking down a three-pointer and then converting on a tough and-one layup:

https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/914711557250048001

Thornwell is going to have to prove to Doc Rivers that he deserves minutes as Rivers isn’t known for playing young players very much, but his four minutes of quality play may earn him a few more minutes in the next preseason game.

Sam Dekker

Sam Dekker also didn’t get into the game until the end, only playing seven minutes in the fourth quarter. Dekker, who was acquired in the Chris Paul trade, took five shots in his debut, converting on two of them. His two baskets were both nice finishes at the rim and the forward looked aggressive off of the bench. It’s a bit concerning that Doc Rivers waited so long to play Dekker, who many feel could be a key player off of the Clippers’ bench, but hopefully the young forward receiving more playing time in the team’s next game.

Brice Johnson

Brice Johnson entered the game late and immediately attempted to make an impact. The power forward showed eagerness to shoot the three, attempting and missing two threes and showed toughness around the basket. His two buckets both came around the rim and Johnson also pulled down two rebounds in his eight minutes of play.