Patrick Beverley is a beast on both ends
Before the season even started, Patrick Beverley had already become a fan favorite thanks to his gritty persona and go-getter attitude. Beverley showed how that attitude translates to the court in his Clippers debut, terrorizing Kyle Lowry on the defensive end of the court while efficiently operating on the offensive end. The point guard started the game alongside Austin Rivers and finished with 14 points on four of six shooting (including two of three shooting from three) on a variety of shots. Although he only finished with two assists, Beverley moved the ball well on offense and took smart shots when they were available.
From the very start of the game, Mr. 94 Feet was locked in defensively, picking up Kyle Lowry full-court on the Raptors’ first possession. Beverley did a great job of keeping Lowry in check as the Toronto guard only shot one of three and turned the ball over twice. The point guard’s swagger and defensive intensity were very much on display in LA’s loss. At one point, Beverley stole the ball from Raptors’ guard Norman Powell and raised one finger in the air saying “First team, first team,” reminding those who could hear him that he was on the league’s All-Defensive First Team last season.