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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, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 17: Ricky Rubio #11 of the Phoenix Suns scores on a layup past Rodney McGruder #19 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on December 17, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 17: Ricky Rubio #11 of the Phoenix Suns scores on a layup past Rodney McGruder #19 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on December 17, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Rodney McGruder can be a key contributor

The LA Clippers made several smart moves last season, and picking up Rodney McGruder just before the team’s playoff run — even though he wouldn’t be eligible to play — was certainly one of them.

Had the Clippers not claimed McGruder, there’s a good chance that he wouldn’t be playing in LA right now. And well, that would kind of suck.

McGruder’s shot hasn’t been consistent yet this season, but he’s been solid in virtually every other aspect of the game, and that’s all you can ask of someone in his position.

There was evidence of his versatility during Tuesday night’s game, in which he recorded seven points, a career-high 11 rebounds and three steals in 21 minutes.

It was a Patrick Beverley-like performance for McGruder, who led the team in rebounds despite standing six-feet four-inches tall.

Now that the Clippers are almost completely healthy for the first time this season, we’ll start to get more of an idea of what McGruder’s role will be with the team.

For now, it looks like he’ll come off the bench behind Landry Shamet, filling in at small forward. Playing him alongside Sham and Lou Williams would make for an incredibly small unit, so I would expect to see him playing with either Paul George or Kawhi Leonard when they’re being staggered.

McGruder’s do-it-all style should give LA a boost on both ends of the floor, and while games like these will likely be few and far between, it’s great to see some of the Clippers’ deeper bench guys having big nights.

Next. The LA Clippers are (almost) completely healthy. dark

The LA Clippers will get Wednesday off to rest before hosting the Houston Rockets Thursday night. The season series is split 1-1 right now, and the Clippers will play one more against the Rockets in early March.

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