Three takeaways from the LA Clippers’ Game 3 defeat

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 18: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers reacts to his foul on Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 18: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers reacts to his foul on Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
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OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 15: JaMychal Green #4 of the LA Clippers shoots a three-pointer against the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 15: JaMychal Green #4 of the LA Clippers shoots a three-pointer against the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

JaMychal Green impresses again

For the second straight game, JaMychal Green has improved across the board. He’s been one of the LA Clippers’ best bench players in the series, and it might be time he moves into the starting lineup because of it.

In Game 1, he went for 10 points and six rebounds. He improved upon that in Game 2, scoring 13 and grabbing seven boards before fouling out of the game.

His performance in Game 3 was even better, though. He scored 15 and brought down five boards in 21 minutes, making three of his four attempts from three-point range. For a large part of the game, he was LA’s leading scorer — and in the first quarter, he was the only player that looked like they even showed up to play.

Green logged eight of his 15 points in the first, including two three-pointers. Had it not been for his offense, the Clippers could’ve been looking at one of their worst first quarters of the season.

Because of Green’s speed, athleticism and offensive ability, some have suggested moving him into the starting rotation. And if the Clippers are still set on winning the series, it seems like a smart one.

The LA Clippers will need to make some adjustments ahead of Game 4, whether that involves moving Green into the starting lineup or not. Either way, it’s going to be a battle on Sunday.