Los Angeles Clippers: 3 takeaways from win versus Timberwolves

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 3: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during a pre-season game on October 3, 2018 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 3: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during a pre-season game on October 3, 2018 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 03: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates after scoring three put basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Staples Center on October 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 03: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates after scoring three put basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Staples Center on October 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

2) Shai Shined

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the Clippers two lottery picks, got his first start last night alongside Beverley. After playing decently in the first preseason game against the Sydney Kings, Gilgeous-Alexander continued to impress.

Going up against starting NBA talent will obviously help the rookie grow, but dare I say he looked comfortable on the court last nights. In his 24 minutes, Shai dropped 12 points, which included two three-pointers. His shooting was one of the biggest knocks coming into the draft, so seeing him convert on two of his three attempts is promising.

He also dished out five assists and flowed very well next to the rest of the usual starting unit. There were some hiccups, such as a couple of attempted passes to Marcin Gortat that got away from him, but luckily none of them resulted in a turnover. Conditioning will continue to be SGA’s biggest issue as he continues to work his body into NBA shape.

We know it’s early, but with NBA GM’s voting him as the steal of the draft, fans have to be eager to see what the future holds for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.