Clipperholics
Fansided

What we learned from the LA Clippers’ victory over Phoenix

By Garrett Chorpenning

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 17: Paul George #13 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers smile during the game against the Phoenix Suns on December 17, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 17: Paul George #13 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers smile during the game against the Phoenix Suns on December 17, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 17: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers high fives teammate, Paul George #13 during the game against the Phoenix Suns on December 17, 2019, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 17: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers high fives teammate, Paul George #13 during the game against the Phoenix Suns on December 17, 2019, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Music sounds better with Zu

I’ve long been a fan of what Ivica Zubac brings to this team, so as you can imagine, I’ve been thrilled to see his growth. Not only does he look like a more confident and well-rounded player this season, but he looks the part of a starting-caliber big with two-way potential.

Zubac finished Tuesday night’s game with 12 points and four rebounds; a relatively lackluster game on the glass. He was fantastic with the ball though, and there were a few things he did in this game that weren’t parts of his game last year.

Compared to his brief stint with the Clippers near the end of last season, he looks like a completely different player. His improved touch around the rim is obvious, he’s no longer rushing shots, he’s running the floor at a faster pace. He just looks more competent all-around, and that’s a great sign for this team moving forward.

On top of that, Zu has begun to develop an on-court chemistry with both of LA’s stars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. And the more they show confidence in his abilities, the better he seems to get.

Specifically, Zu has been dominant in the pick-and-roll with both Leonard and George this season. It’s been more evident with Leonard since the two have had more time together on the floor, but he and George have shown flashes more recently.

The numbers back up the trio’s effectiveness as well. Per Basketball-Reference, the combination of George, Leonard and Zubac entered Tuesday’s game outscoring opponents by 14.7 points per 100 possessions in 150 minutes played.

That’s important, too, because it’s looking more and more likely that the Clippers will need Zu’s size once the postseason begins. Montrezl Harrell is an excellent option off the bench, but he hasn’t played well against bigger centers. Zubac has done so, and at 22, there’s plenty of potential for him to improve as the season goes on.

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