LA Clippers: Grading each player’s first-round performance

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2, and Landry Shamet #20 of the LA Clippers exchange hi-fives against the Golden State Warriors during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Rookie Starters

Landry Shamet – B+

Something we knew about Landry Shamet prior to the series? He can shoot. Something we learned from this series? He can be a defender. Shamet played great defense on Stephen Curry throughout the series, which surprised many of us. He is a very smart player and we were able to see him picking up on things as the series went on.

He also knocked down the biggest shot of the 31 point comeback, showing his lack of fear in big moments.

Landry Shamet. Nails.
The rookie hits the three pointer to seal the Clippers coming back from being down 31(!) to beat the Warriors on their floor and even the series at 1-1. pic.twitter.com/P22sbwTWAz
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 16, 2019

The young buck only averaged 7.7 points on 34% shooting, 0.3 assists and 5.5 rebounds. The stats don’t seem like much, but he was actually the only Clipper player (with major minutes) to finishe with a positive plus/minus for the series. The team was just flat out better when he was on the court. Shamet has a very, very bright future ahead of him for the Clippers and will benefit from a full offseason working with the team.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – A+

Last, but not least, we have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The rookie point guard had his coming out party versus the Warriors. He looked like a veteran leading the team against arguably one of the best backcourts in NBA history.

He put up 13.7 points on 46.7% shooting, but more notably he continued his hot shooting from deep, hitting 50.0% of his 3.0 attempts per game. He was third on the team in assists with 3.2 and used his length defensively to get 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks.

Shai also started to get more aggressive as the series went on once he realized his combination of length and size couldn’t be stopped. Shai has the potential to develop into an All-Star level point guard and with this valuable playoff experience under his belt, he is well on his way.

Overall, the LA Clippers played well against the Warriors but just could not stack up against their collection of talent. Fans are proud of the team though for fighting as they did all season and cannot wait until next year.