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What we learned from the LA Clippers’ loss to Houston

By Garrett Chorpenning

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers is ejected by referee Tony Brothers #25 during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. 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 Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers is ejected by referee Tony Brothers #25 during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. 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 Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 13: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against the Houston Rockets on November 13, 2019, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 13: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against the Houston Rockets on November 13, 2019, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The minutes were mismanaged

Every game of the regular season matters, but playing starters 40+ minutes — especially Kawhi Leonard, who isn’t supposed to play more than 35 minutes on a given night anyway — is difficult to excuse.

The LA Clippers were in this one late, so it’s at least understandable. If a game is winnable, you want your best players on the floor so that you have your best shot at victory.

That said, there’s no reason why Leonard and Lou Williams needed to play 40+ minutes each in this game, and especially not such a vast majority of the second half.

Leonard played the final 14 minutes of the contest. Williams played 22 of 24 minutes in the second half. Montrezl Harrell played the final 18.

At some point, you’ve got to find time to give those guys a break. If shots weren’t falling in the first place, they definitely won’t when your three best players (until Paul George returns, that is) are all winded once crunch time rolls around.

There’s also the issue regarding Ivica Zubac‘s lack of minutes.

Zu played just 10 minutes against Houston, despite being relatively effective during that time. He recorded seven points, four rebounds and two assists while helping LA’s offense find some consistency early in the second quarter.

Statistically, Zu has been great this season. The Clippers are a much better team defensively when he’s in the lineup, and his ability to gather offensive rebounds has created several second-chance opportunities and points.

Zu’s lack of minutes are evidence of a larger issue, though.

According to NBA Stats, Zubac has played just 3.2 minutes in the fourth quarter this season — and no, that’s not an average. Through 11 games, he’s played just over three minutes in the fourth quarter.

For someone who has been as solid defensively (and has shown to have a great connection with Leonard) as Zubac has, it’s difficult to think of a reason why he doesn’t get more late-game minutes.

Typically Harrell is the go-to guy there, and for good reason. His chemistry with Williams in the pick-and-roll is unmatched, and the two are one of the most productive duos in the NBA. But Harrell was particularly ineffective against Houston, going 2-of-12 from the floor in 37 minutes.

At some point, you’ve got to consider switching things up.

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