The LA Clippers have defeated the Lakers and Warriors in their first two games. Their chemistry will only improve from here on out.
NBA teams change every offseason, but the LA Clippers’ roster experienced one of the most drastic (if not the most drastic) shake-ups in the league this summer.
All-Stars Kahwi Leonard and Paul George made the move to LA along with veteran roleplayers Maurice Harkless, Patrick Patterson, and Rodney McGruder. Despite all these new faces, the team already looks comfortable playing, and more importantly, winning together.
Ramona Shelbourne of ESPN received the following information from head coach Doc Rivers:
Among the scary Clippers takeaways from tonight’s opening win over the Lakers: Doc Rivers says Lou Williams “and Kawhi are about 10 percent of learning how to play together “
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 23, 2019
Skeptics may claim that Rivers is exaggerating, but with 80 games left in the regular season, this is entirely possible. Plus, who knows players better than their coach?
With George out, Lou Williams becomes the Clippers’ next best scorer. He played 36 minutes and 43 seconds in the season opener, going 8/14 from the field for 21 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Leonard played 31 minutes and 11 seconds and hit 10/19 field goals for 30 points, six rebounds and five assists. Leonard’s three-point shot was faulty, as he hit just 1/5, but his 9/10 shooting from the charity stripe was appreciated.
Both Williams and Leonard can move the ball to the rest of the team and take smart shots, making the LA’s offense successful even without George. In fact, the Clippers’ ball-movement has the potential to be the best it’s ever been, all thanks to the trust each player has for the next.
Leonard trusted his teammates enough to rack up a career-high nine assists against the Warriors Thursday night.
Other players on the roster such as Montrezl Harrell, Patterson and Landry Shamet may even start to carry some of the offensive load that Leonard and Williams have been expected to share.
Each player’s ability to accept their role will also grow the team’s chemistry. The more comfortable each player is with their job, the more comfortable and consistent the team’s offense and defense will be.
Patrick Beverley knows that his energy on defense is a huge asset, while players like Patterson and Harkless have accepted their roles as rotation players. Harkless started in 53 games for the Portland Trail Blazers last season but looks comfortable on both ends of the court coming off the bench. He is as good of a backup small forward as any.
There are a lot of NBA fans and personalities who have high hopes for the LA Clippers this year, and no doubt, their growing chemistry will help the team reach their championship goal.