The new-look LA Clippers opened the season with a 108-92 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. While fans across the country anticipated the debut of Lonzo Ball, the one person who may have been most excited was Patrick Beverley.
Beverley, who was acquired in the Chris Paul trade this summer, is notoriously known across the league as one of the best defenders. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive 1st team last season.
Since being drafted by the Lakers, Ball has been under much scrutiny, mainly due to his father. Numerous players have called him out, including Beverley.
But imma guard him the first game and we will see about that!!! @Lavarbigballer https://t.co/FXSIXjHGHP
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) September 15, 2017
Months ago, LaVar came out and said Steph Curry wouldn’t go over to guard Ball. Beverley then quoted the tweet, saying he plans on guarding Lonzo when the two teams met opening night.
How did it go?
I think it’s safe to say it lived up to the hype.
Things got a little chippy early in the first quarter. On the inbound play, Beverley got up and close with Ball, who took exception. Giving Beverley a little shove, he took the ball and dribbled it up the court. Beverley then answered right back with a hard foul, welcoming the rookie to the NBA.
There weren’t much fireworks the rest of the way, but Beverley definitely left his mark.
On the 29 plays that Patrick Beverley guarded Lonzo Ball, Ball went 0-for-2 from the floor and had three assist opportunities. pic.twitter.com/tgrFkK5Lv1
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 20, 2017
These kind of numbers don’t show up in the stat book, but they are truly impressive. The fact that he was able to hold Ball scoreless on nearly 30 plays, as well as limiting the assist opportunities, truly showed how much of an impact Beverley can make on defense.
Clippers guard Patrick Beverly screamed outside locker room, "Weak ass m****** f******. Bring him out on the... https://t.co/9BO7aCqMjb
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) October 20, 2017
After the game
Once the game ended, that didn’t stop Beverley from voicing his mind on Ball.
Patrick Beverley on playing Lonzo Ball tonight. pic.twitter.com/qSeKcDcMSH
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) October 20, 2017
After the game, Beverley talked with reporters about how Ball is gonna get a lot of players coming at him because of his dad’s mouth.
It’ll definitely be interesting to see going forward how players react to the second overall pick, but all we know is, we’re definitely excited to see Part Two of Patrick Beverley and Lonzo Ball!
#FirstTeam