Following an underwhelming game against the Phoenix Suns, LA Clippers guard Landry Shamet stepped up his performance against the Charlotte Hornets.
Following an unforeseen loss to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, the LA Clippers failed to maintain their perfect start to the season. In their recent downfall, they discovered a few minor cracks that required polishing on both ends of the floor. Branded as one of the favorites to attain a championship this season, the Clippers could encounter several hindrances in their road to achieving success; one of them being the weighty expectations of being labeled as favorites in contrast to the prior season where they were underdogs.
Additionally, the injury-prone nature of their superstar assets could prove to be another impediment to the team’s progress.
It shouldn’t serve as a surprise to see Doc Rivers feature lineups with only one of his superstar pieces in certain games as a result of load management. While Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell shoulder a substantial amount of the offensive load off the bench, the Clippers could use another threat in their starting lineup to direct some offensive load in the absence of either Kawhi Leonard or Paul George.
With Landry Shamet showing signs of being a capable offensive threat last year and indicating his potential to operate as a secondary playmaker this season, his services will be invaluable in the Clippers’ quest for success.
It’s no coincidence that his underwhelming performance against the Pheonix Suns coincided with the team’s downfall. Putting up six points and for assists on 1-of-6 shooting with no steals or blocks, Shamet failed to leave a mark on the game. His inability to convert from beyond the arc or distribute the ball effectively caused him to aggregate the game’s worst box score of -16.
However, he’d returned to his usual ways against the Charlotte Hornets, leading the team’s first-quarter blitz. Accumulating 16 points, two assists, four rebounds and one steal in a team-high 35 minutes, he’d left an impression on both sides of the ball.
Exhibiting great poise, efficiency and hustle throughout the game in a near-flawless performance, this contest served as an ideal comeback contest following his shortcomings in the prior game.
A sharpshooter possessing tremendous off-ball movement and competent playmaking instincts, he is a vital cog in the LA Clippers’ pursuit for a championship. Should he continue to serve the team with similar performances, the team could assert their dominance over their counterparts and prove to be an indomitable force come playoff time.