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The LA Clippers’ Ivica Zubac Comes Up Big in Boston Comeback

Seth Kimbrell|
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 9: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 9, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 9: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 9, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

The newest big man for the LA Clippers played a big role in the comeback win versus the Boston Celtics.

When Ivica Zubac was traded from the Lakers at the deadline, LA Clippers fans were excited to get a young big man with potential for the future. In the comeback against Boston, the 21 year old showed that he’s not just a future prospect; he’s got plenty of game right now.

With a statline of 12 points on 5 for 10 shooting (2 for 3 from the line), 9 rebounds and 3 blocks, Zubac showed why the Clippers made a move for him. The way he attacks missed shots adds some much needed rebounding to an LA squad who rank in the middle of the pack for grabbing missed shots.

Zubac had some nice moves on offense to get his points, including one absolute hammer of a dunk:

His scoring in the paint will be very welcome on this Clippers squad, who rank 26th in the NBA in FG% from the restricted area, per stats.nba.com. If Zubac can contribute meaningful offense down low, he could add a dimension to this Clippers offense that they’ve been missing this season. His +/- of +11 against Boston tied him for 2nd on the team, with fellow youngster Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and fellow new acquisition Garrett Temple (Danilo Gallinari had a team-high +25).

Defense is a team effort, but the young center seemed to fit in well into the Clips’ system. It’s hard to attribute an opposing players’ shooting woes entirely to the defense he’s facing, but fans have to be excited about Al Horford being held to 3 for 11 shooting. Zubac flashed some skill as a rim protector, tallying three blocks and making life difficult for the Celtics’ backcourt players as they drove to the paint.

That rim protection was a happy sight for this Clippers squad that allows the 6th most attempts at the rim in the NBA and rank 20th in blocked shots. Zubac immediately stepped in and filled that role, which should give fans of the team some hope for the interior defense.

Of course, all the usual caveats about small sample-size theater apply here. It’s one game, and Zubac is a very young player. Not every game will be like this one. But for now, Clippers fans should enjoy the fact that three of the major players in this comeback (Zubac, SGA and Landry Shamet) are 21 years old or younger. If Zubac keeps playing with the kind of heart that led to this comeback, he’ll prove to be a great addition to the team.

We’ll see if Zubac can keep this energy going on Monday against the Tkmberwolves. He’ll be tested against one of the best big men in basketball in Karl-Anthony Towns .

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