What we learned from the LA Clippers’ win over Washington

Ivica Zubac, Maurice Harkless are consistent contributors

I have long believed that Ivica Zubac and Maurice Harkless are the two most under-appreciated players on this LA Clippers roster, and their performances against the Washington Wizards further support that theory.

Harkless had one of his best games of the season against Washington, scoring a season-high 11 points and picking up another six rebounds, two steals, one block and one assist. He did lose Bertans on a few possessions that led to points, but his +22 plus/minus rating is evidence of the kind of game he played for LA in a team-high 36 minutes.

He makes very few mistakes, and he’s one of those guys that almost always knows where he should be on both ends of the floor. Players frequently find him open behind the three-point line for easy buckets, and he’s a fantastic cutter with a knack for strong finishes at the rim.

On defense, Harkless gets in the way of passing lanes and is capable of bothering just about any shot that an opposing team attempts.

He’s not going to get the glory that Kawhi Leonard or Paul George do on offense, but he rivals their abilities on defense and can make a legitimate case for being this team’s best player on that end of the floor. His versatility only adds to that, too, given his ability to effectively defend point guards to power forwards.

Zubac doesn’t possess that same versatility, but he plays his role very well. An above-average defender at the rim and a solid finisher on offense, he’s been one of LA’s more reliable players all season long.

Sunday’s contest against Washington was no different. Zu finished with seven points, five rebounds (three of which were offensive) and two blocks in 20 minutes of play. He was a +16 in those minutes.

Compared to last season, Zubac is leaps and bounds better than before. He looks trimmer and more agile this year, and he’s looked more patient with the ball and better around the rim as well. His partnership with Leonard has been an interesting one to watch, too.

Neither of these guys will be the ones that get all the recognition, but championship teams need players that are willing to do the dirty work. Zubac and Harkless have been more than willing to play that role, and they’ve done very well so far.

The LA Clippers have a quick turnaround between this game and their next, as they’ll take on the Indiana Pacers Monday night at 4:00 p.m. PST.